Negri tells converts to dissolve marriage first

 

In the near future, non-Muslim couples in Negri Sembilan must undergo a divorce before either one of them converts to Islam.

Following this, the new convert would have to make a statutory declaration on his or her change of faith, to prevent future legal problems.

Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan said the proposed new law would be introduced into the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Negri Sembilan) Enactment 2003.

"The new regulations are aimed at protecting the sanctity of Islam and at preventing the religion from being insulted and ridiculed just because of a wrongdoing of an individual," he said, according to Bernama.

"If he or she converted to Islam first and then decided to dissolve the marriage, there will be problems, so it is better to dissolve the marriage first before converting to Islam.

"The statutory declaration is also vital to prevent family disputes over the remains of a Muslim convert," the menteri besar said.

This was informed to reporters after a briefing by the Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS) to Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir in Seremban yesterday.