 Two men were discussing the Moorthy’s case.
*Abe was explaining to *Ben the significance of the Syariah Court’s decision in ruling that the deceased Moorthy was a Muslim. The two then talked about the implications if one spouse converts to Islam and Ben remarked, “What’s the big deal? If converting to Islam causes so much problem, then convert out lah.”
(*Names have been changed.)
Ben’s remark probably reflects many Malaysian Christians’ shallow and naive understanding of the dual legal system (Syariah and Civil Court laws) in this country.
How many of us know that “once a Muslim, always a Muslim”? To those who are married, do you know what happens to your properties and your children should your spouse convert to Islam?
In the Moorthy case, does it not alarm you that the Syariah Court has not to date made public the documents of Moorthy’s alleged conversion to Islam? Even Moorthy’s widow, S. Kaliammal, and her lawyers have not sighted the shadow of the alleged document.
And does it not frighten you that non-Muslims have no legal remedy or recourse in court cases that involve both Muslims and non-Muslims? In simple terms, it means that if a non-Muslim files a court case which involves a Muslim, the case will be thrown out!
It must be categorically stated here that the NECF Malaysia upholds the right of everyone to choose his/her religion, and that every Malaysian be given the freedom to convert from one religion to another at any time of his/her life, without any interference from the state. But while we uphold this right, we desire that conversions be transparent – not shrouded in secrecy as in Moorthy’s case – especially when they affect the inheritance and religious status of the non-converted spouse and children.
The Moorthy case has indeed opened a cantankerous case of worms. The Syariah Court’s ruling that Moorthy was a Muslim has far-reaching repercussions on the constitutional rights of the non-Muslims in this land, rights that have been insidiously eroded with the High Court’s refusal to intervene in the Syariah Court’s ruling. That is why we feel compelled to devote a large part of this Berita NECF issue to the controversy with the hope that you will understand the seriousness of the situation.
Ultimately, we hope that this will encourage in you a more passionate involvement in and intercession for our beloved country. May God have mercy on Malaysia. May justice, mercy and righteousness flow like a life-giving river in our land.
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