VIDEO | 1.36 min

DAP’s Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming has urged five state governments to amend their state constitutions’ conversion laws to prevent unilateral conversion.

azlan Nga told a press conference at the Parliament lobby today that five states’ conversion laws are inconsistent with those of six other states, which makes it a must for the consent of both parents in order to convert a minor into Islam.

The five states are Negri Sembilan, Perak, Kedah, Malacca, and Sarawak.

He said that the Attorney-General’s Chambers should advise the state governments to amend the state constitutions so that they are in line with the federal constitution.

Five states in Malaysia have, in their state Islamic laws, stated that consent from the father and mother are necessary - Selangor, Terengganu, Penang, Sabah and Perlis.

Johor meanwhile uses the term ‘ ibu bapa ’, though still implying this to be plural and inclusive.

“In order to uphold the constitutional principle and for uniformity of the law, I humbly urge the five state governments to take necessary measure to amend the provision in the interest of the public and to maintain religious harmony in our country,” he said.

Earlier this week, the government withdrew the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013, which also allows for unilateral conversion.

The cabinet also decided back in 2009 in principle not to allow unilateral conversions.