Police confirmed that Zulkifli Nordin is not being detained under ISA, so the anonymous caller who contacted Mahaguru58 was wrong. However, The Star reports that he could not be contacted by media or fellow PKR mates. Hope there’s no statutory declarations from him.

Meanwhile Gerakan is second party after a MIC’s sole respondent (Mohan from MIC Youth). Gerakan’s president Koh Tsu Koon asked that the joint committee of Civil and Syariah lawyers to convene immediately.

“They need to formulate, clarify and rectify procedures related to marriage between Muslim and non-Muslim, connversion, custody of
children and burial rites after death,” he said.

Koh said the committee was formed to work out solutions following several controversies related to Muslim converts after death or breakdown of marriages.

“It is urgent to reconvene the committee which I am told has not met for some time.

“There will be controversy and even conflicts over family matters related to religious conversion if the issues are left unresolved, he said, adding the problem would continue to haunt the multi-religious society in the country if it is left unresolved.

The Star’s version had some extra details of Koh’s statement which covers the kerosene bombs and PKR,PAS, UMNO participation:

Dr Koh also specifically condemned the use of kerosene bombs on the house formerly owned by Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, which is now the house of Wanita Umno deputy chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

“It is regrettable that some members of political parties such as PAS, PKR and Umno were involved in the almost violent demonstration,” said Dr Koh, who pointed out the involvement of and strong words uttered by PAS Youth chief Datuk Salahuddin Ayub and Kulim-Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli Noordin or PKR.

“We should be aware of sensitivities about religions by all respective believers. Therefore, all politicians must take a rational and reasonable approach to look at how to fine-tune the relevant laws and procedures to avoid or minimise potential inter-religious controversies and conflicts,” he added.

Another Gerakan leader also agreed. Gerakan national legal bureau chairman Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the forum should have been allowed to go on.

There are many ancillary issues arising out of the provisions of Article 121(1a) and these must be resolved fast. I believe the forum,
if it was allowed to go to its full length, could have found solutions to some of the issues.”

Chang, who is also Gerakan vice-president, said the council should not be accused of fanning religious or racial sentiments or being disrespectful to Muslims for organising the forum.

In the mean time, I’m sure we are all happy to hear that Jeanne Abdullah (previously Danker), wife of Prime Minister is happy with the her new religion.

Describing Islam as a “beautiful religion,” Jeanne said she had no regrets ever since she converted at the age of 23 for marriage.

“I am proud to be a Muslim. It is about being good and doing good things,”  she said yesterday at the inaugural national-level Muslim Convention.

“My most favourite time is when Pak Lah (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) reads the Quran with me during subuh (dawn). I read it in English and he reads and explains to me.”

Jeanne and Abdullah married in June 2007.

“I enjoy reading the Quran without rushing and relish every word,” she said.

Previously known as Jeanne Danker, she was born in 1953 to a Catholic Portugese-Eurasian family.

Her mother was understanding when she told her she wanted to convert to Islam and advised her that if she wanted to be a Muslim, she should be a good one and talk to someone who could help her.

“I practised being a good Catholic. I went to church, attended catechism classes and read the scriptures,” she said.

“My mum and dad were happy that I was happy and accepted that I wanted to be a Muslim. We became closer after that. She passed away 21 years ago,” she added.

Jeanne encouraged Muslims not to forget their parents even if they were of a different religion and to have a new
zest to share the religion with others.

“Islam is not about race or where you come from but it is about doing good.

Well, at least she’s being truthful saying the she converted for marriage AND informed her parents about it (in 1976/77). Obviously its much different from spouses who convert without informing the partner and unilaterally convert children as well. Or cases where there are no proper proof of conversion. Anyway, we have to wait and see if anyone non-converted relative of Jeanne’s will lay claim over her assets once she dies. Also she’s clear on one thing – Islam is not about the race. But a pity that this simple notion is deliberately ignored, and certain people muddle Islam with Malay to suit their own agenda.

By the way, among the thugs involved were members of Indian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association. If anything happens, would they “balik India” ? I’m not sure.

Also, Deputy Prime Minister said that such reaction (thuggery) was expected. That may be because those thugs have received their instructions beforehand. I also guess that means its green light to storm and threaten anything the people disagree with. No wonder UMNO branch and division meetings are becoming more exciting nowadays 🙂

Ultimately, in asking these talks to be done behind “closed doors”, we are publicly admitting our failure in creating a Bangsa Malaysia, in creating a mature society, in setting up check and balance, in protecting the rights of all Malaysians, and in promoting a just and fair country . That perhaps, will be the catalyst for downfall of the country – economically, politically, and socially.

Finally, Bar Council’s Ambiga said that no more forums for the moment

There were no plans for another forum in the future, she said.

“Even if we do have one, we would prefer to hold it behind closed doors.”

Now, did anyone know that there was a special session on religion by the Department of National Unity and Integration held in UM for last two days? It came out with 10 recommendations. More on that later.