The Malaysian Bar has expressed dismay over further delay in tabling the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) (Amendment) Bill 2016 for a second reading at the Dewan Rakyat.

It urged the government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the bill is tabled and passed soon, in order to protect the interests of children.

“It is crucial that these amendments are brought to pass without delay, to prevent any further instances of unilateral conversion from occurring, as these are unjust, and cause turmoil and suffering for the parent and children affected,” Bar president George Varughese said in a statement today.

The highly anticipated bill is meant to resolve interfaith custody disputes, whereby an estranged parent unilaterally coverts him or herself and the children to Islam, and then claim custody of the children through the syariah courts...