_______________
Media Statement
by Teresa Kok
__________________

(Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday) : The 2-1 decision of the Federal Court to deny Lina Joy's choice to remove the word "Islam" from her identity card and pass the buck to the Syariah Court has dismayed and alarmed many Malaysians of many faiths who believed freedom of religion is guaranteed in our Federal Constitution.

The judgement also means Lina Joy's right to leave Islam has been denied by the civil courts and she now has to submit her fate to hands of the Syariah Court. This is not only denying her human rights, it is also a denial of Muslims of their right to choice of religion.

It is sad that a section of society is denied their right to freely embrace any faith of their choice.

The series of recent high profile cases involving conversion and marriages such as Marimuthu/Raimah, Shabashini etc have further divided the various communities.

It is important for the government to take immediate measures to amend the Federal  Constitution to make it beyond any misinterpretation that the Civil court is superior over the Syariah court in all matters.

In addition, the government must set up mechanism to foster closer relationship among people of different races and different religions to ensure religious divide will not be  deteriorated further in the country.

(30/5/2007)