Hadi wants review of amendments to stop unilateral conversion
Ahead of its second reading in Parliament, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has called for a review on the proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 or Act 164.
In a statement, Hadi said the law that governs civil marriage is directly related to the rights of a Muslim in a civil court, the religion status of a child, custodial rights, alimony and distribution of assets.
“PAS is of the view that the overall implications which may arise from (amendments to) Act 164 is very serious, namely on rights of Muslims to practice their religion and defend their faith with no interference from any parties, as enshrined under the Federal Constitution…
“(Also) tarnishing the integrity of the syariah court institution as well as harmony among our multiracial, multiethnic and multi-religious society in the country,” said the Marang MP...
Ahead of its second reading in Parliament, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has called for a review on the proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 or Act 164.
In a statement, Hadi said the law that governs civil marriage is directly related to the rights of a Muslim in a civil court, the religion status of a child, custodial rights, alimony and distribution of assets.
“PAS is of the view that the overall implications which may arise from (amendments to) Act 164 is very serious, namely on rights of Muslims to practice their religion and defend their faith with no interference from any parties, as enshrined under the Federal Constitution…
“(Also) tarnishing the integrity of the syariah court institution as well as harmony among our multiracial, multiethnic and multi-religious society in the country,” said the Marang MP.
The amendment bill was reportedly tabled for first reading in November last year and included a new clause which stated that a child's religion shall remain as the religion of the father and mother to the marriage prior to the conversion of either parent.
It also proposed that children shall be allowed to keep their religious affiliations and freely decide on their faith when they reach the age of 18.
Among others, the amendments were proposed as measures to address issues surrounding unilateral conversion of minors in situations where one parent had converted to Islam following a divorce.
As such, Hadi said a special committee should be formed to draft and propose an alternative solution which would be fairer, comprehensive and inclusive.
He said the committee should comprise Muslims as well as non-Muslim stakeholders, on top of seeking views from the National Fatwa Council, the Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia, syariah and civil lawyers, NGOs and others.
In August last year, Minister in the Prime Minister’s department Jamil Khir Baharom had said the proposed amendments were deemed to be a harmonious solution for both spouses in cases of disputes after one of them had converted to Islam.
