PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA is applauding High Court judge Datuk Azizah Nawawi's decision to quash the unilateral conversion to Islam of two minor Buddhist children by their convert mother.

In a statement, Wanita MCA Chairman Datuk Heng Seai Kie said MCA’s stand had always been that the religion of minor children must be agreed upon by both parents.  

"Justice Datuk Azizah’s order will also discourage muallafs from exploiting and thereby misusing the Syariah court and religious authorities (in order) to be awarded custody of their minor children.

"Such exemplary conduct must be emulated by all judges hearing cases where one party embraces Islam, as well as legal suits involving conflicts with religious authorities or government instructions that affect the freedom of non-Muslims," Heng said.

Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 17), the High Court allowed a judicial review application by a Buddhist man and quashed the unilateral conversion of his two children by their Muslim mother.

Justice Azizah Nawawi said it was not in dispute that the conversion of the children, now aged five and 10, was not done by both parents.

She said she was bound by the Federal Court’s judgment, vis-a-vis the case of kindergarten teacher M. Indira Gandhi, that both parents must give consent when converting their children to Islam.

Heng appealed to parents in separation disputes to never "drag in their children to hold an edge against the other".

"Do try to resolve maintenance payments, custody rights and disputes over religion as amicably and responsibly as possible.

"Clearly, when children are caught in custody disputes or the religion to profess, they will be left traumatised. By all means, kindly resolve the marital breakup as amicably as possible. Prioritise the minor child’s welfare and not your own." said Heng.


-The STAR-