Orang Asli demand end to unilateral conversion of minors
The Orang Asli community today demanded an end to unilateral conversion of minors and that children will be allowed to choose their faith once they turn 21.
They also want to be allowed to revert to their traditional belief or original faith after a divorce...
The Orang Asli community today demanded an end to unilateral conversion of minors and that children will be allowed to choose their faith once they turn 21.
They also want to be allowed to revert to their traditional belief or original faith after a divorce.
These were among the 133 resolutions passed during the first National Convention of Orang Asli held at Putrajaya today.
Among others, the community said they don't want the religious authority to take away the body of a deceased who had been converted by force for burial purposes.
They also urged the government to review the practice of inserting the status of religion on the identification cards.
In a press conference later, de facto National Unity Minister P Waythamoorthy said he will raise the issue on unilateral conversion with the relevant minister.
"They were talking about marriage solemnised according to their customs, so they felt that the divorce should take place according to their customs too," he said.
Waythamoorthy acknowledged that such disputes are rare among the Orang Asli community, but said he will follow up on the matter since a request has been made.
"I will talk with the minister and tell him about the concerns raised by the Orang Asli today and the need for him to relook at his decisions," he said.
Previously, the government had shot down the call to insert Clause 88A, which would in effect ban unilateral conversion of minors if one of the parents converts to Islam, into the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act.
The convention was held today to obtain feedback from the Orang Asli community to draft the National Development Plan for Orang Asli, according to Waythamoorthy (photo).
He said a new committee will be entrusted to draft the plan.
In its manifesto, Pakatan Harapan pledged to protect the rights of the Orang Asli and treat them fairly.
Waythamoorthy also agreed with the proposal that the community be empowered to choose their headman (tok batin), but said the government need to amend the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 for it to be implemented.
Under Section 16 of the act, the minister may remove any headman from his office.
Waythamoorthy said the government is looking into reviewing the act and the bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament earliest by end of this year.
The Orang Asli also urged the government to gazette their native customary lands, but the minister said this would involve amendments to the National Land Code.
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