Mar 28 2007
CFM Press Statement
Dear friends,
The following statement was released to the press this morning. CFM sees the recent court of appeal’s decision of the Subashini’s case as worrying. The civil courts continues to insist that the non-converting spouse find redress in syariah courts. This is clearly unconstitutional.
The MCCBCHST has also prepared a press statement to indicate to the nation that non-Muslim communities are not prepared to accept non-Muslim appearing before syariah courts.
Kindly circulate far this and wide.
sincerely, Rev. Dr. Hermen Shastri Executive Secretary, CFM General Secretary, CCM
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA) Address: 26, Jalan Universiti , 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan,
Malaysia Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457 Email: cchurchm@streamyx.com
CFM PRESS STATEMENT
The Christian Federation of Malaysia views with great concern the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Subashini v. Saravanan, where
she, although a non-Muslim, was urged to submit to the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts to seek recourse from the break-up of her family, when her husband converted to Islam.
It is troubling to note, and indeed of great concern to all Malaysians, that what is clearly stated in the Federal Constitution, that the Syariah courts shall have jurisdiction only over persons professing the religion of Islam [Schedule 9, List 11 (1)], is now being extended, by the court decision, to include non-Muslims.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia respects the Federal Constitution to be the supreme law of the country [Art 4 (1)], and therefore, it must guarantee the right of all non-Muslim Malaysian citizens to find justice served in the civil courts of the country.
In view of this development, the Christian Federation of Malaysia joins with all other likeminded Malaysians in raising our concern to the government. Decisions like this impact negatively on the social fabric of Malaysia.
We therefore, call on all elected members of Parliament to do everything within their means to defend our Constitution, and to safeguard the right of
non-Muslim citizens to find remedy and justice in the civil courts in matters pertaining to civil rights and liberties.
Bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ Chairman, The Executive Committee Christian Federation of Malaysia
Dated: 22nd March 2007
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