The Bar Council welcomes the Government’s proposal to impose an obligation on
individuals wishing to convert to Islam, to inform their family members of their
intention. This represents an important first step as the rights of an intending
convert’s immediate family members like the spouse, parents, children or
siblings may be affected by the conversion.
The Islamic religious authorities must be satisfied that the family members have
been duly notified. They should require documented proof of such notification. A
self-declaratory document from the intending convert will not suffice.
Alternatively it is suggested that consideration be given to the proposal that
the responsibility of informing the family can also rest with the Islamic
religious authority.
Non-converting family members face many other difficult issues that must also be
looked into. Laws addressing the consequences of conversions to Islam,
particularly in the areas of divorce, custody, guardianship and religion of
children, division of assets, inheritance, and death, must be urgently
considered.
We urge the Government to promptly enact the necessary legislation. Press
reports in April 2006 indicated that such legislation was already under
discussion then.
Good statement... written by Charles Hector,
Friday, April 11 2008 08:03 pm
Notification is but the first step...
Should conversion lead to automatic divorce...? Can the new Muslim convert still not continue being a family with the non-Muslim spouse, and their children..
Me and my relationship with God is a personal matter... and why suddenly a person decides to convert from one religion to another is sometimes a 'mystery' -- but why should a person's conversion affect his family life and his community life?
Consider this....
By the way, maybe the Bar Council should get together a little committee and proposed draft legislations (or amendment in certain legislations) to address some of the problems and concerns when a member of a family OR a spouse converts. How do we protect rights of elderly parents, siblings and other dependents? How do we deal with rights of the spouse of a new-Muslim-convert? What happens to children - their choice of religion, etc...(oh yes, remember Malaysia has ratified the Child Rights Convention....)
Charles Hector
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Notification is but the first step...
Should conversion lead to automatic divorce...? Can the new Muslim convert still not continue being a family with the non-Muslim spouse, and their children..
Me and my relationship with God is a personal matter... and why suddenly a person decides to convert from one religion to another is sometimes a 'mystery' -- but why should a person's conversion affect his family life and his community life?
Consider this....
By the way, maybe the Bar Council should get together a little committee and proposed draft legislations (or amendment in certain legislations) to address some of the problems and concerns when a member of a family OR a spouse converts. How do we protect rights of elderly parents, siblings and other dependents? How do we deal with rights of the spouse of a new-Muslim-convert? What happens to children - their choice of religion, etc...(oh yes, remember Malaysia has ratified the Child Rights Convention....)
Charles Hector