The Federal Court verdict today on the unilateral conversion of a child to Islam will open a can of worms, warned Syariah Lawyers Association president Musa Awang.

He said that the verdict, which nullified the conversion of M Indira Gandhi's three children to Islam, might lead to more conflicts over child custody and even abduction of children by parents.

"We are concerned that custody of a child will influence the children's right to determine their own religion (when they turn 18)...