|
©The
Star (Used by permission)
by Giam Say Khoon
PETALING JAYA (Aug 7, 2008): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak
says it is not suitable to discuss the conversion to Islam issue openly in a
forum because such sensitive topics should be dealt with closed doors.
"If not, it will stir emotions, especially from those who oppose the views (in
the forum)," he added.
Najib was responding to questions from reporters on the Malaysian Bar Council's
forum on religious conversion on Saturday. The forum is organised by the
council's Family Law Committee in the council's secretariat ballroom at 8.30am
on Lebuh Pasar Besar.
"We do not prohibit discussions, healthy discussions. But not in a public
forum," he said today after witnessing the signing of an agreement between
Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd and VistaJet which provides chartered air services and
will operate from Subang.
Asked if the Bar should be ordered to cancel the forum, Najib said: "I do not
know. They have their own views."
Last week, the Bar's committee deputy chairman Foo Yet Ngo said the council was
concerned about the issue of conversion to Islam which has caused much grief and
conflict. Since the announcement of the forum titled "Conversion to Islam:
Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Shamala Revisited",
it had attracted numerous "attacks" from various parties.
On Tuesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said it was not a good
idea as the forum could create misunderstanding and tension in society.
"Religion is a very sensitive matter. You are playing with fire. We think it is
one of the elements of freedom and it is our right, but don’t think in
implementing our rights, others don’t have their rights. In the end, it could
provoke misunderstanding," he said.
Muslim Lawyers Association president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang had also said if
the council wished to discuss such topics, it should be done with the relevant
parties and not through a public forum.
"Such sensitive issues, if discussed via a public forum, will anger the people
and cause dissatisfaction.
"If the Muslims and (the Malay) community are offended, our country has the
Sedition Act and the Bar should be held responsible," he added.
On the Aug 26 Permatang Pauh by-election, Najib said: "It is not Barisan
Nasional (BN)'s style to skip any by-election. We think it is reasonable to give
options to the Permatang Pauh people to choose whoever they want to represent
them (in the Parliament).
"We know the situation in the constituency and we know about the (people's)
sentiment based on the results of the last general glection (on March 8), but we
will try our best to convince the people in Permatang Pauh (to support BN-Umno),"
he said.
Asked when Barisan Nasional would announce its candidate for the by-election,
Najib said: "I cannot tell you (reporters)."
On July 31, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan
Ismail announced her resignation as Permatang Pauh MP, paving the way for her
husband, former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest the
by-election.
The Election Commission, on Wednesday, fixed Aug 16 for nomination and polling
on Aug 26.
 |
Committees 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
list of participants.refugee law seminar
The Family Law Committee of the Bar Council has got some concerns - for and on behalf of the public.
Those who are sensitive by nature, males and females; and those who do not bother about the pains and sufferings of others, even though they may be 'neighbours'; and those who are narrow-minded and uneducated ought NOT attend the forum. In the same manner, they need not be concerned, instigative nor inquisitive about it.
Have faith in our Malaysian Bar - that it is a responsible and caring BODY OF PROFESSIONALS. Which other group of professionals in our society care "more for others than for ourselves"?
Answer : Our Bar Council, Our Malaysian Bar.
May God love us for what we are!
We are an unselfish LOT OF PROFESSIONALS.
Tan Peek Guat