Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Kristian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism
MCCBCHST STATEMENT
11 February 2015
Negeri Sembilan Leads The Way
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism - MCCBCHST congratulates the Negeri Sembilan State Government for leading the way in resolving an outstanding thorny problem re: the unilateral conversion to Islam that has continued to negatively impact family life in this multi-religious mix of loyal citizens serving this beloved nation of Malaysia.
A happy, united and well-integrated family is the basis for the sustenance of peace and harmony in any social setting, more so for the peace and development of a progressive nation. The government is duty-bound to nurture, sustain and protect family life that is premised on spouses living faithfully by their marriage-vows all their life time. Nothing in society or inducements from any quarter should be allowed to disrupt or break-up the unity of marriage. Marriage is a sacred institution by divine will and no secular authority on earth has any power or control over it.
Hence, MCCBCHST applauds the initiative taken by the Negeri Sembilan State Government to amend controversial provisions in its Constitution to pave the way to bring about a greater respect for the sanctity of marriage espoused by all religious traditions. Thus, its proposed "divorce first, then convert" law is most refreshing and peace enhancing. This is an ingenuous solution to stop unilateral conversions by any spouse. As a further step, MCCBCHST also recommends that all possible loop-holes be plugged first so that no one loses out unjustly in a legal suit.
MCCBCHST supports fully this positive step of the State Government of Negeri Sembilan. MCCBCHST also urges all other state governments to emulate the Negeri Sembilan Government's forward looking initiative and make similar proposals to introduce the "divorce first, then convert" law. This would be a step in the right direction.
Finally, MCCBCHST also fully endorses the call by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak to all other State Governments to adopt this new initiative of the State Government of Negeri Sembilan.
Dated: 11 February 2015.
Signed by:
Sardar Jagir Singh
President
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Venerable Dato Seri Jit Heng
Deputy President
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Daozhang Tan Hoe Chieow
Vice-President
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Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan
Vice-President
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Elder Kong Yeng Phooi
Vice-President
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Prematilaka K.D. Serisena
Hon. Secretary General
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Download this MCCBCHST Media Statement in PDF. |