I am now in Senegal Africa to attend the 9th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Rule of Law. parliament Malaysia has also sent YB Shamsul Bukit Katil to attend the event.
This is a 4 day programme to discuss to get all countries to be members of the ICC and to ensure the protection of victims and the deterrence of international crimes and human rights violations.
The following is my statement and concern on the recent approval on unilateral conversion by the state Assembly of Perlis.
The passing of the amendments to the Perlis’s Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment 2006 which allows unilateral conversion to Islam came as a shock and has attracted heavy criticisms.
Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man has tried to defend the move by accusing others of spinning things out of context.
But the fact is that the amendment will allow unilateral conversion of minors to Islam.
Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin has revealed that in an April 2015 fatwa issued by the Perlis Mufti Department, a child of a convert need not embrace Islam but may receive teachings on Islam from the Muslim parent.
The passing of the amendments therefore seem to be at odds with the fatwa.
So why did the Perlis state government presented and passed in the Assembly an amendment that is at odds with the fatwa?
Datuk Seri Azalan must also explain why the government did not have prior discussion or consultation with the State Mufti Department.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has said that Umno was caught by surprise and Datuk Seri Azlan Man would be asked to brief the party’s political bureau on the matter.
So why the secret manner in tabling and getting the amendment approved?
What is your agenda, Datuk Seri Azlan Man?
After the passing of the amendment, MCA President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai has strongly condemned the move by the Perlis government. He has described the move as an act of sabotage.
But Liow must explain why MCA Assemblyman for Titi Tinggi Khaw Hock Tong did not participate in the debate to object against the amendment and also why he did not vote against it?
Liow’s strong words against the Perlis government must be matched with strong disciplinary action against Khaw.