[News Flash 2 at 10.02 am: A few minutes ago, a woman participant went up to the floor mike defending the forum, but was met by shouts by protestors demanding the immediate end of the forum – forcing Bar Council President Ambiga Sreenevasan to announce its closure.]
[Flash – Just informed that police accompanied a few of the protestors into the forum to observe proceedings, five minutes before the forum is to have abrupt end at 10 am.]
The Bar Council half-day forum on conversion to Islam is going on now at its auditorium in Kuala Lumpur – in the face of a crowd of protestors outside bearing slogans and chanting Arabic verses and demanding the immediate cancellation of the forum.
It is a test whether Malaysia is shaping up to be a more civil society where sensitive issues of inter-faith problems can be discussed in a mature and responsible manner to promote national unity and religious harmony in the country.
The Police wants the forum to end by 10 am because of the protests.
As stated by the Bar Council Vice President Ragunath Kesavan, the Bar Council forum on religious conversion is to address the conflicts of laws facing families caught between the separate jurisdictions of civil and syariah laws.
It is not to question the provisions of Article 121(1a) of the Constitution, which conferred syariah jurisdiction over Muslims.
This is the New Straits Times report today on Ragunathan explanation:
While recognising and respecting Article 121(1a), Ragunath said it was unjust to compel anyone to be subjected to laws and courts based on a religion that the person did not profess.
He said the council was “troubled” by the continuing calls from certain quarters that the forum be cancelled.
Claims that the forum would create misunderstanding, anger and tension were in stark contrast with the government’s assurances of more dialogue, Ragunath said.
“The forum is not about conversion per se as the council endorses the absolute right of individuals to embrace Islam.
“Instead, the forum will address the ancillary issues that arise from such situations and will emphasise the need for laws, and a judicial system, that protects everyone equally.
“It is the continued suppression of open and respectful discourse, not public forums, that will cause tension and jeopardise national unity.
“We are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the dialogue takes place in a controlled and constructive manner, by holding the forum in a closed setting and requiring participants to register for the event.”
I have received the following SMSes from CC Goh who is at the forum:
“The crowd came forward across again. Demanding Ambiga to go down. Shouting louder. Inside a testimony about conversion of a father by the daughter.”
“The crowd continues to chant slogan. Not trying to breach police line.”
“Ambiga just came up to say police ask to wrap up by 10 because of security reason.”
Hope the Bar Council forum will not end up as another APCET II 12 years ago in November 1996.