S'gor opposition upset at handling of unilateral conversion bill
Opposition leaders in Selangor are disappointed by the state government's seemingly divided attitude towards a proposed unilateral conversion bill.
Sungai Air Tawar assemblyperson Rizam Ismail told Malaysiakini that it is frustrating that the bill was not tabled due to purported internal strife within Pakatan Harapan...
Opposition leaders in Selangor are disappointed by the state government's seemingly divided attitude towards a proposed unilateral conversion bill.
Sungai Air Tawar assemblyperson Rizam Ismail told Malaysiakini that it is frustrating that the bill was not tabled due to purported internal strife within Pakatan Harapan.
"I'm frustrated that the motion that should have been brought, regarding the amendment to the law on the conversion to Islam, could not be tabled.
"I ask that in the future, such amendments should be supported by both the government and the opposition," the Selangor opposition leader said.
Rizam said this should not happen, especially since it involved the interests of Islam.
The proposed amendment hit a brick wall when Selangor speaker Ng Suee Lim cut short the Selangor Legislative Assembly sitting after just two days on July 31.
The sitting was scheduled to run from July 29 to Aug 9.
Sources told Malaysiakini that Ng (photo), a four-term DAP assemblyperson, declined to sign a document which would prioritise state government bills, therefore halting plans to table the amendment.
At present, the enactment reads that those below 18 must obtain the consent of his or her "mother and father" before embracing Islam. The amendment seeks to change this to "mother or father."
The Bahasa Malaysia version of the Federal Constitution also refers to "mother or father" with regard to consent for conversion.
However, the Federal Court last year made a landmark ruling that the constitution should not be interpreted literally, and that the consent of both parents is needed for the conversion of minors.
After Ng ended the sitting, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari purportedly met with Muslim PKR assemblypersons and one Bersatu assemblyperson on Aug 1 to discuss the matter.
A hindrance to religious progress
Selangor PAS secretary Roslan Shahir Mohd Shahir (photo) chimed in, calling the failure to table the amendment a hindrance to religious progress.
Roslan said that the Selangor government should have resolved the issue first before bringing it to the state assembly.
"Don't let a political crisis hinder the progress of religion. This should be resolved well and be given priority," he said.
Asked whether the Ng's actions represented as an "act of treason" to the Selangor ruler as the head of Islam, Roslan said it depended on his intentions.
"We are not sure what the speaker's rationale is," he said, while adding that the majority of the people in Selangor are Malay-Muslims.
RELATED REPORTS
As potential time bomb ticks, S'gor MB to meet with Harapan leaders tomorrow
Political storm brewing in Selangor over conversion bill?
Rep says DAP will defend S'gor speaker against ouster attempts
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.