Withdrawal of Bill to prevent child conversion another political move – Baru

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Baru Bian

 

KUCHING: The sudden removal of Section 88A of the Bill to amend the Law Reform (Marriage & Divorce) Act, which had been scheduled to be read a second time during this Parliament sitting, is another slap in the face for people of non-Muslim faiths, said state PKR chairman Baru Bian.

Baru, who is Ba’Kelalan assemblyman, said there had been hope at the end of a dark tunnel for many that this Bill would see an end to the unilateral conversion of minor children of other faiths to Islam, but true to Barisan Nasional (BN) practice, there is yet another major flip-flop on this Bill.

“The de facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was reported to have expressed hope that this development would be seen in a positive light to preserve harmony in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. How is it possible that this last minute flip-flop by the BN can be seen in a positive light?” he said in a press statement today.

 

Baru noted that the Bill was opposed by Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and some Muslim groups, and this about turn by the BN government is seen to be a political decision taken in the fear of the loss of support by the Muslims.

Baru said this change of mind by the BN government shows that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his BN ministers are driven by the fear of losing the 14th General Election (GE14), and place no importance on protecting the rights of all citizens to freedom of religion and equal rights.

“The question is whether the BN coalition partners Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), Gerakan and the other BN component parties in Sarawak and Sabah were consulted about the withdrawal of this Bill.

“How can they in good conscience continue to support and prop up this government that has shown no respect and regards for the rights of people of other races and religions. What is their response to the withdrawal of the Bill? Are they going to betray their own party members by continuing to support the BN government?” he questioned.