IT was seditious of PAS to warn a single mother against attempting to challenge her children’s conversion to Islam, an interfaith group said today.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said the Islamist party had also contravened the Federal Constitution and penal code by warning Loh Siew Hong against going to court to reverse the unilateral conversion of her children by their father.

“Khairil Nizam Khirudin is unlawfully and unconstitutionally imposing his view on the matter and trying to usurp the power of the courts,” MCCBCHST said in a statement, referring to the PAS information chief.

“Khairil should accept the reality that Malaysia has a written constitution which is the highest law in the country and all people, regardless of the religion they practise, are subject to it.”

Yesterday, Khairil warned people against trying to reverse the religious conversion of Loh’s 14-year-old twin girls and 10-year-old.

Loh was recently reunited with the children following her separation and divorce from her ex-husband, who is currently in prison.

During the couple’s separation, the children were converted without Loh’s consent and sent to live in a welfare home in Perlis.

She has since filed a judicial review application seeking a declaration that her ex-husband is legally unfit to convert her children to Islam.

MCCBCHST noted the similar case of M. Indira Gandhi, which had resulted in the Federal Court issuing a landmark ruling that that minors could only be converted with the consent of both parents.

The group said PAS should not get involved in a family matter and cause disharmony.

Meanwhile, DAP leader P. Ramasamy said PAS’ actions were in contempt of court.

The Penang deputy chief minister II also lambasted PAS for its lack of understanding of the law regarding unilateral conversion of minors.

“PAS leaders in government seem not have any respect for the law or court decisions.

“They seem oblivious to the constitutional decision on the illegality of unilateral or one-sided conversion.

“It is all right to champion Islam but it is another thing to warn or threaten those who are challenging the illegal conversion of the three children,” Ramasamy said in a statement.

Ramasamy asked whether Khairil, through his warning, was telling the judiciary not to interfere in the matter.

“PAS being a component of the government must respect the adjudication process of the judiciary. 

“There is no need to apply veiled threats against anyone, including the courts, not to interfere and change the religious status of the three children.

“This is tantamount to serious contempt of the court.”

Ramasamy accused PAS of desperately trying to regain its popularity by taking an interest in the case.

Loh’s lawyer also issued a statement yesterday saying PAS’ threat amounted to judicial interference.

Lawyer A. Srimurugan said any form of threat, expressed or implied, or warning discouraging a litigant from pursuing his or her legal rights in court amounts to serious interference with the administration of justice and constitutes criminal contempt of court. – March 30, 2022.