Conversion: Still no safeguards for non-Muslims

The government should enact laws or undertake amendments to rectify injustices currently faced by non-Muslims when a family member converts to Islam, says an inter-faith grouping.

The Malaysian Consultative Council on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) also expressed alarm and concern over the recent conversion of a Hindu trainee at the Perlis campus of the Teacher Training Institute.

“The family had her there to acquire knowledge and skills to become a teacher. lnstead of imparting such knowledge and skills, three lecturers proselytised and influenced her to convert to Islam,” the group said in a statement.

“This is contrary to the institute's role to impart knowledge and to be sensitive to all religions. (Her) family members were unaware of the conversion and found out only about two months later, on July 15.”

The lecturers should have been protecting the religious, cultural and social interests of trainees to ensure unity, peace and harmony in a multiracial institution, the group said.

The statement was signed by six religious leaders led by MCCBCHST president Tan Hoe Chieow (right).

On Sept 15, Malaysia Hindu Sangam president RS Mohan Shah expressed shock that three lecturers had - along with officials of the Perlis Islamic Affairs Department - participated in the conversion of the trainee.

‘Provide written notice’

The MCCBCHST further warned that it is almost impossible for anyone to renounce Islam and return to their previous religion.

“Non-Muslim next-of-kin are disinherited. Spouses are divorced by the Syariah Court and children converted without the non-converting spouse's consent.

“All these matters must be urgently addressed by the government. The cabinet's decision of April 21, 2009 should (also) be immediately implemented.”

The directive states that no parent can act alone in converting a child under 18 years of age, whose religion would be that professed at the time of birth.
The MCCBCHST has proposed a comprehensive range of legal reforms to rectify the “unacceptable situation” facing converts and the families of converts.

It noted, however, that legislative changes have not moved despite the government's assurance of action.

Therefore, at an executive council meeting on Sept 29, the grouping resolved to call for laws to provide that a non-Muslim cannot be converted to Islam until the immediate family members receive six months’ written  notice.