I am sure many are very familiar with these words ` till death do we part` or perhaps ` .. lets us not put apart what god has put together..`… ahem,ahem very sweet those words sound but sad to say these words hold not much relevancy in today`s marriage or family institution. In an ordinary or even in a mixed marriage, it is already so challenging to hold the family members together what more if suddenly one of the spouse decides to `side- track` and be `converted and governed ` by another set of institutional /religious laws.
Given the seriousness and the impact on non-converting family members there is clearly a need for all Malaysians ( especially non-muslims) to recognize and comprehend the potential consequences of conversion. How do we address the issues for non-converting parties, the husbands and wives as well as the children of those who convert . These are real situations that we can`t just ignore. These religious conflicts though may be extremely sensitive but they are for real.
Given the benefits of doubt, the ill-fated August 9 open dialogue was supposedly set by the Bar Council to openly discuss among the many prominent and respected Muslim non-government organizations, lawyers and academics , the problems between the syariah and the civil jurisdictions and to achieve a sense of mutual agreement on issues of conversion to Islam. This open dialogue was as in the words of the organizers and many others, never intended to question the special position of the Malays or Islam as the religion of the federation as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
It is bizarre that people are getting so `hypersensitvely emotional`- they protest when there is global food and fuel price hike, they protest and beat up photo-journalist/reporters for attending religious ceramahs and the jest; and more protesting when ordinary people and affected families wish to have insights into the problems of ` conversion` they are facing.Protesting and protesting and more protesting so much so that it seems there is no end to protesting be it good or bad.Sometimes it makes me wonder - Is protesting a quick-fix for issues or a gift from the sweet prize of educational liberalisation and output in this century?
Unless we are more willing to talk and openly to each other about issues that matter, we can`t achieve any sense of mutual agreement what more of integration, respect and unity among ourselves. Standing at 51 now, are we Malaysians more educated, aware and assertive than ever before ? We know sweeping such issues under the carpet and intimidating people from discussing them will not resolve any issues for the affected people. Are such sensitive/difficult issues suppose to remain locked away forever, even if the lives of ordinary Malaysians are negatively impacted?
`Open dialogue and discussion in a peaceful, informative and sincere manner will aid in establishing deeper understanding among the rakyat.` said JAG-Joint Action Group for Gender Equality Organization, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Women`s Centre for Change Penang, All Women`s Action Society and Sisters in Islam. But are we matured/ready to have such open dialogue?
Perhaps the issues impacted the women and children of the non-converting families more , the more urgently we have to re -look at the Law Reform( Marriage and Divorce Act ) so as to cease the uneasiness among the people. Can we amend the laws on civil-syariah issues—`conversion matters ` in such marriages ?
Many would beg to differ but it can be done if we can look at it objectively and not disguise it as some sensitive religious matters—perhaps a close door but transparent and serious talk to start it all over again.
`Goodness is the only investment that never fails`
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