Disappointed with the government's decision no to amend the laws pertaining to religious conversion, a coalition of Hindu groups is planning to take the matter to an international forum.

The Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) has vowed to bring the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

It's chairperson P Waytha Moorthy said the decision was based on the disappointing stand made by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the controversy.

On Friday, the premier said there was no need to amend or repeal Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution which prevents civil courts from interfering in syariah matters.

"Over the last 48 years religious issues involving the rights of non-Muslims are persistently and immaturely considered and termed 'sensitive' thus scaring off even those in power from talking or discussing the matter with an open mind.

"Despite this even when there is a healthy discussion among the people, suddenly there would appear to be a 'situation so intense' that immediately on grounds of security and stability, the matter would be swept under the carpet.

"In light of the statement made by the prime minister and in view of the fact that we have exhausted all local avenues, Hindraf at an emergency meeting yesterday [...] decided to take this freedom of religion issue to the international forum," said Waytha Moorthy in a statement.

File complaint with UN

Other than taking up the matter with the ICJ, he said Hindraf would also lodge a complaint with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The UN Special Rapporteur for Religion would also be invited to urgently visit Malaysia to obtain first hand feed back of the sentiments of all religious groups, he added.

At the same time, Hindraf would also lobby for support from international governmental and non-governmental organisations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the European Union and human rights organisations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Hindraf was set up following the controversial decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court not to review a Syariah court ruling that former army commando M Moorthy had died a Muslim and should be buried as such.

His widow - who maintained that the family had no knowledge of the conversion - filed for a judicial review with the Court of Appeal yesterday.