'Forced conversion of Orang Asli': Govt seeks amicable conclusion

The government will look into the issue of 137 Orang Asli who are seeking to nullify their status as Muslims, claiming that their mass conversion three decades ago was unlawful.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said detailed discussions would be held with the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director-general Sapiah Mohd Nor and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) on the matter.

To avoid “confusion that there is coercion to convert”, he said the issue would be brought to Jakim’s attention.

Zahid (above), who is also rural and regional development minister, added that preaching efforts for the group would continue.

“The issue of Islamic activities (for the converted) is important so that there is no confusion, what more the allegation of forced conversion arising.

“There is no compulsion in religion, so we must refrain from polemicising this issue and resolve it in the best manner possible,” he added.

Zahid was asked if the government would consider improving the guidelines involving such cases as well as ensure that Orang Asli who converted to Islam are not sidelined.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the group brought the matter to the civil court and, through the law firm Fahri Azzat & Co, filed a writ of summons with the Kuala Lumpur High Court on Sept 28 last year.

The civil action named six defendants - namely Jakoa, its director and officer, the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Muip), the state government, and the federal government.

The plaintiffs alleged that the “wrongful and illegal conversion” was carried out at their home in Kampung Benchah Kelubi, Merapoh, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, in April 1993.

In a separate development, Zahid, who is also BN chairperson, was quizzed on Amamah communications director Khalid Samad stating that Pakatan Harapan is inclined to allow BN to helm Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah if the three Perikatan Nasional-controlled states fall in the upcoming polls.

“That is his view… We will discuss it during the coalition government’s secretariat (meeting),” he added.

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