THE National Registration Department’s move (NRD) to file an appeal against the case of illegitimate Muslim children being granted the right to bear their father’s name has the government’s backing.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he supported the appeal to the Federal Court.

At present, the NRD was carrying out its tasks according to the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Affairs’ ruling, which did not allow children conceived out of wedlock to take the name of the father.

“We know a law is a law. The Home Ministry, especially the NRD, should adhere to the decision of the National Fatwa Council and as such, we are appealing to a higher court so that the decision (of the Court of Appeal) is cancelled as only legitimate children could be named after the father,” he said at a Raya event with the Malabari community in Selayang last night.

Zahid said Muslims should be united to ensure any decision made by the National Fatwa Council is not challenged by any party or legal system.

“We are not against other religions, but matters pertaining to Islam should not be touched on. Let Muslims manage their own affairs.”

On Thursday, the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal made by a couple to file for judicial review to force the director-general of NRD to replace the bin or binti Abdullah in their children’s names to the name of the father in the birth certificate.  

Director-general of NRD Mohd Yazid Ramli on Friday was reported as saying any amendment to the current implementation would only be considered after obtaining the decision of the Federal Court and any action by the NRD was in line with the decision of the National Fatwa Council.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki had also requested the Attorney-General’s Chambers to represent the federal government in the appeal to Federal Court.

Earlier in his speech, Zahid announced an allocation of RM1 million for Gabungan Persatuan Malabari Malaysia to build a multipurpose hall at the Surau Malabar Hidayatul Islam Selayang Complex. – Bernama, July 30, 2017.