Speaking at a press conference today, Amanah Communications Director Khalid Samad noted that the suggestion was made last year by Sepang MP Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, who is a member of Amanah.
Referring to the recent case involving S Deepa and Izwan Abdullah, Khalid said, “In cases like this, usually the civil courts will side with the non-Muslim parent while syariah courts will side with the Muslim parent.
“What we need is a court that will hear these special cases without taking sides,” he said.
Khalid pointed out that Islam recognises both the honour of the mother regardless of religion and the rights of the father regardless of religion.
“Islam is a fair and just religion and takes into account the rights of everyone in society, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.”
Amanah Deputy President Salahuddin Ayub said that the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) should carry out research to find new approaches to deal with interfaith custody cases.
“This is part of Jakim’s responsibility,” he said. “We do not want Islam to be seen as an unjust religion in the eyes of non-Muslims.”