PUTRAJAYA withdrew Clause 88A of the Law Reform (Marriage & Divorce) (Amendment) Bill (LRA) to win more Malay votes, say opposition leaders and analysts.

The move to withdraw the clause is to also ensure the “indirect cooperation” that exists between Umno and PAS.

“The decision to drop Clause 88A was made to win more Malay votes. But this is very irresponsible of the government,” Sepang MP Hanipa Maidin told The Malaysian Insight.

“Umno will also be able to maintain close relations with PAS. Both parties know how hard it is for them to get any non-Malay and non-Muslim votes, and are now going all out to woo Malay votes,” he added.

The Amanah Legal Bureau chairman said the issue should be debated in Dewan Rakyat.

“The issue shouldn’t be swept under the carpet,” said Hanipa.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said tabled the amendment, minus Clause 88A, in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The amendment to the Law Reform (Marriage & Divorce) Act pertains to the unilateral (single parent) conversion of minors, the dissolution of marriage in the event of one spouse converting to Islam and the introduction of Clause 88A, which states both parents must agree to the conversion of a minor to Islam.

Clause 88A also states that the child will remain in the religion practiced by the parents at the time the marriage was registered and may choose his own religion upon reaching the age of 18.

Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin said Barisan Nasional will lose Malay votes if Clause 88A was included in the amendment bill.

“Why didn’t the government try to get the opposition’s view on this issue before withdrawing it? The government must be afraid if the issue is properly explained to all parties,” said Zuraida.

Meanwhile, Ilham Centre chief executive Hisomuddin Bakar said Umno was being extra careful as the 14th general election is a crucial test for BN.

“Umno must portray itself as a Malay party that is still relevant and can take care of Muslim and Malay interests.

“Dropping Clause 88A can improve Malay-Muslim support for BN,” said Hisomuddin.

The move will also strengthen Umno and PAS’ unofficial relationship.

“PAS is a strategic political entity for Umno and they have to fully utilise this chance to ensure that minimal Malay votes drop into the opposition’s hands,” he added. – August 9, 2017.