Subramaniam says he is committed to solving unilateral conversion problem

PETALING JAYA: MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said he is committed to finding a solution to the problem of unilateral conversion.
"I share the views, disappointments, and statements expressed by everyone over the exclusion of 88A. I would like to express my strong commitment to continue with the struggle to find a lasting solution to this thorny problem," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Subramaniam who is also Health Minister said that he is sure Malaysians will not want the continuous repetition of breast feeding infants being snatched away from the breast of their mothers under the guise of religious conversion.
He was referring to the case of M. Indira Gandhi whose child was taken away by her ex-husband Muhammad Riduan seven years ago. Eight-year-old Prasana Diksa's location remains unknown.
"The current attempt to reintroduce the amendment without 88A, is to allow the public to get the benefit of the other amendments while, we continue relentlessly to address the issues of unilateral conversion," he added.
Currently Clause 88A under the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) (Amendment) Bill 2016 which would have stopped unilateral conversion, has been withdrawn because it was deemed unconstitutional.
The current amendments involve at least 6 separate sections of the act. Collectively they will:
a) Allow marriages where one partner has converted to Islam to be dissolved in the civil courts. The current legal provision does not allow that.
b) It will allow the courts to make provisions for the wife and husband and for the support, care and custody of the children of the marriages as provided for under Part VII and Part VIII of the Law Reform Act.
c) The proposed amendment also addresses the issues which may arise if a convert dies before the marriage is officially dissolved.
d) Provides clear provisions for the distribution of assets acquired during the marriage.
e) Enable provisions for the maintenance of a child until they complete their higher education.