The Ipoh Barat MP described Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom’s recent remark that unilateral conversion to Islam by one parent was constitutional, was a “U-turn” of the Cabinet decision for minors to be raised in the original religion practised by their parents at the time of their marriage should one spouse later convert.
“The PM must step in to clear the air and assert that the 2009 Cabinet directive on unilateral conversion is very much intact,” Kulasegaran said during a press conference at the Parliament lobby.
“He should be bold enough to ask Jamil Khir to withdraw the new stand which is unfair, illogical and unreasonable,” he added.
Jamil Khir, in a parliamentary written answer yesterday, said that any law banning unilateral conversion would be “unconstitutional”.
“The public is shocked by this answer which is a set back on promised reforms in this area,” Kulasegaran said.
Despite the Cabinet directive, Putrajaya has yet to introduce laws regarding unilateral conversion.
Last year, a five-man Cabinet committee was set up to deal with interfaith custody and conversion.
“So is the parliamentary answer provided by Jamil Khir the latest and new policy stand taken by the Cabinet committee?” Kulasegaran asked.
The DAP legislator and lawyer insisted that the word “parent” under Article 160 (1) of the Federal Constitution mentioning the conversion of a minor should mean consent of both parents and not just one parent.
“It is obvious and clear that the 2009 Cabinet ruling on this issue was correctly decided and in line with the interpretation aspect,” he said.
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