I find Nathaniel Tan's letter to editor (Malaysiakini) useful in understanding the issue of Lina Joy. I am reproducing it here for further discussion.I have, in my hands, a few cases of Muslim converts who wish to return to their previous religion. In that sense, their cases are slightly different from Lina who has renounced Islam ( a Malay who's born as a Muslim). In my mind, I think they should be allowed to go back to their original religion. Even for Lina Joy, I really do not see the logic and reason to force her to stay as a Muslim. It's pointless to keep a Muslim who has changed to other faith in his or her heart. I hold the the view that Lina should proceed to Syariah Courts to seek the permission to leave Islam. But to resolve cases similar to Lina in future, the Government must reform the Islam institutions in the country so that these institutions could handle such cases professionally. We do not need the courts to decide on conversion of religion, whether it's Islam or other religions.
But I do understand the strong feelings of some of my Muslim brothers and sisters. I know exactly where they were coming from.To them, they cannot accept a Muslim to leave Islam more of the fear factor (but you may argue that their fear was unfounded)rather than holding the view that Islam is a more superior religion. Yes, I do know that there were some who hold an extreme view that certain religion is more superior than other religion. But we do not have to agree with them.
I wish to tell all my Muslim brothers and sisters that there 's really no point to keep a Muslim if he or she has decided to embrace another religion.
My reasons are simply these:
1. All religions share the same root. We are all children of Abraham. All religions are ONE.
2. There's no such thing as a superior religion.
3. Other Muslims would not leave Islam just because Lina Joy was allowed to leave Islam.
4. Freedom of religion should include freedom to join and freedom to leave a particular religion.
5. Many have left Islam in the past but more have embraced Islam at the same time.
6. Like other religions, Islam is a good religion.
7. People who have left Islam without condemning it should not be seen as apostles.
8. Only people who condemn the religion (Muslim or Non-Muslim) could be considered as apostles and this must not be allowed in this country.
9. Malaysia, as a multi-religious society, needs freedom of religion for real harmony and peace among the peoples of different faith.
The Prime Minister's response on the Lina Joy's case is pathetic. He just want to wash his hands and pretend that he has got nothing to do with it. He has once again failed to carry out his duty and responsibility as the prime minister of this country.
I hope bloggers could also give their views on this important issue. Please leave your comments with Colour-blind.
BTW, DAP will be holding a forum to discuss the case on 7 June 2007 in Petaling Jaya. Watch this blog closely for further details.
source: www.malaysia-today.net
2 comments:
Dr Mahathir had palyed a vital to create this situation. By not touching FC, this kind of problems may have sorted out easily last time. Because of him - not solely resposnsible had that other BN leaders and MPs supported him triggered to amend FC 121 (1A) to give a room to sharia law in par with civil law in this country.
What we can do now? The minds created by UMNO become narrow and in line with PAS ambitions. Probably PAS and UMNO collabrated to create this situation. Who knowns?
But for sure, Subahsini, Lina Joy and Moorthy should not gets this kind of treatments in this country. The composition of this country very much based on multi racial concept. Each of one race and relifion has had their own functions to play to uphold the integrity of Malaysian society but we are misreably failing on that issue now.
What will happened to our next generation? I predicting that the flow of Malaysian migrating to other nation is very serious now. Non-Malays Malaysian loosing their faith on Malays Malaysia.
The wawasan and future of this country is bleak and there is no future for us and one day Malaysia will become another South Africa or Indonesia.
Lina Joy have the rights to choose her own religion and NO ONE should encroached another person personal rights. Who we are to stop and create barriers for one person's self beliefs?
Dipak Nandan
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