Gerakan to go to court if Islamic law change is passed

Kedah Gerakan Youth has threatened to file legal action against the government if Parliament passes the amendment to Section 107(b) of the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories), which allows one parent to convert an underaged child to Islam.

Its chief Tan Keng Liang (left) said Article 12 (2) of the Federal Constitution should be defended at all times.

"If the Bill to amend Section 107 (b) is passed by the Parliament, Kedah Gerakan Youth will not hesitate to challenge the law, as it goes against the spirit of the federal constitution," Tan said.

Bar Council chairperson Christopher Leong has also opposed amending the law, saying that the unilateral conversion of a minor to Islam by one of the parents is unconstitutional.

The proposed amendment has also been strongly opposed by BN component parties, including MIC and MCA, as well as the Malaysian Consultative Council on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST), which also echoed the objection raised by Leong.