MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong said Khaw, who is the assemblyman for Titi Tinggi, would be asked to explain his protest walkout against the passing of the Administration of Islam Enactment 2006, which made a minor amendment to the phrase “ibu dan bapa” (mother AND father) to read “ibu atau bapa” (mother OR father).
“Our party leadership is of the view that YB Khaw should have expressed our party’s firm position of ‘ibu bapa’ during the debate in the Perlis state legislative assembly,” said Wee, adding that the central committee would meet on the matter on Dec 12.
The amendment was to the Malay language version of the enactment, which previously stated that a child who had not reached the age of 18 may convert to Islam with the consent of both “father and mother” or the guardian.
“Father and mother” was replaced with “father or mother” in the amendment to Section 117(b) of the enactment.
Only PKR Indera Kayangan assemblyman Chan Ming Khai voted against the amendment.
All other state representatives — 12 from Umno and one from PAS — voted in favour.
Perlis Menteri Besar Azlan Man said the amendment was aimed at harmonising the Malay language version with the English language version.
However, PKR’s Chan said the state government’s explanation ignored the other issues the amendment would create.