The decisions of the civil courts in two landmark cases have stirred up a controversy and have been strongly criticized by non-governmental oragnisations (NGOs). One involves the religious status of two young children, whose father had converted to Islam, and the other the alleged apostasy of four adult Muslims.

They criticise the civil courts for not upholding the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion which they claim has led to the erosion of civil liberties. Their criticism is unfounded and based on a misrepresentation of the issues, an erroneous interpretation of the Federal Constitution, and a lack of understanding of the history of this nation.

In the conversion case, Dr Jeyaganesh Mogarajah, (now Dr Muhammad Ridzuan Mogarajah), embraced the Islamic faith. At the time of his conversion, he was married to Shamala Sathyyaseelan and they had two young children. According to Ridzuan, he had discussed his intention to become a Muslim with Shamala even before they were married and she herself had orally agreed to convert.