This is despite PAS’ ulama wing calling on all state religious authorities to amend the terms for conversion so that children can be converted unilaterally rather than requiring the consent of both parents.
This is already the practice in some states.
Muhyiddin, the Bersatu president, acknowledged that it was a sensitive matter and said the PN leadership needed to “properly” discuss what position the coalition should take.
“We haven’t taken any position yet (on this matter). We will have to really look into every aspect from the point of view of the Federal Constitution, the law and what not,” he told reporters after meeting members of the Chinese community in Bukit Gambir town today.
The former prime minister noted that freedom of religion was the people’s right, but said Islam had its own particular laws.
“While that is so, of course, sometimes we go back to the Federal Constitution, whether there is something that is agreeable … But we have not taken a position yet.”
The issue of unilateral conversions had resurfaced again following the controversy over the recent case involving single mother Loh Siew Hong and her three children.
Loh’s three children were registered as Muslims by the Perlis religious authorities without her being present, Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin had said.
This was despite a Federal Court ruling in 2018 that the consent of both parents was needed for the conversion of any child under 18 to another religion. The Federal Court is the highest court in the land.
The Kuala Lumpur High Court had granted Loh’s habeas corpus application for the release of her three children. In response, Asri said he was looking at other measures under the law to protect the children if they wanted to remain Muslims.
On a separate matter, Muhyiddin said all 56 of PN’s candidates in the Johor polls would be taking an oath against corruption tomorrow.
They will pledge not to take bribes or commit any abuse when in power, he added.
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