Precedent set, MIC leader moots bill on unilateral conversion

A MIC leader urged all lawmakers to take advantage of the government’s openness since a precedent had been set with the fast-tracking of the controversial Hudud Bill.

What transpired during the last Dewan Rakyat sitting for the May session, according to S Vell Paari, had opened the door for others.

“Since the bill set a precedent, other members cannot be denied from proposing bills to protect the rights of all Malaysians,” he added in a media statement to Malaysiakini.

The MIC central working committee member suggested a bill on the contentious issue of children being unilaterally converted to Islam by one of their parents who embraced the faith.

“Table bills to further strengthen and protect the rights of vernacular schools in Malaysia.

“Also a bill calling for serious punishment against those who continue to criticise communities in Malaysia for exercising their democratic right to vote whom they choose such as the Chinese community,” he said.

“When these bills are tabled, I hope they too will be fast-tracked in line with the current openness to such matters,” he added.

Vell Paari was responding to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said who said the government fast-tracking Hadi's bill proved its openness and commitment to parliamentary reforms.

The proposal to bring forward the motion yesterday was brought by Azalina and seconded by Deputy Works Minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.

Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia had allowed the proposal to lift the motion listed as number 15 or the last item in the Parliament's order paper despite objection from DAP lawmakers.

The debate, which was slated for the afternoon, was postponed after Hadi requested for more time to allow MPs to prepare themselves.

Meanwhile, Vell Paari expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Azalina over the government’s commitment towards parliamentary reforms.

As for Hadi’s bill, the MIC leader said being a MP, the PAS president had the right to propose a bill which is in line with the policies of the Islamic party.

“But for those who are against it like me, it is also our democratic right to oppose the bill. We should call upon our representatives to lobby other MPs to vote against the bill,” he added.

Hadi’s bill seeks to amend the law governing the jurisdiction of the Syariah Courts to allow for the implementation of the Islamic penal code in Kelantan.

MCA and other BN component parties have also voiced their objection.