Another tussle over religious status

The New Straits Times, Kuala Lumpur
21 January 2006


Another tussle over religious status

Tampin, 20 January – The death of an 89-year-old woman, who was born
a Malay Muslim, has sparked of a controversy as the family wishes to
perform her burial rites according to the Buddhist faith.

The burial of Nonya Tahir, who died of old age at her house in Taman
Indah here about 4 am yesterday, is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

The family reported her death to the police when then referred the
case to the Negri Sembilan Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS).

According to family members, the woman married a Chinese man of the
Buddhist faith, named Chiang Meng, in 1936, who has since died, and
had 13 children.

Nyonya is alleged to have lived according to the Buddhist faith since
her marriage.

Meanwhile, JHEAINS director Datuk Zaharuddin Shariff said
investigations revealed that Nyonya was a Malay and was from Simpang
Ampat, Alor Gajah in Malacca.

He said JHEAINS obtained a syariah court order yesterday to postpone
Nyonya's burial according to the Buddhist faith until the case was
heard in the Syariah High Court on Monday.

"After discussing the matter with her family, they have agreed that
Nyonya's body be placed at the Tampin Hospital mortuary while
awaiting the court's decision."

Nonyna's son, Chiang Ah Fat, 40, said the family would accept the
decision of the court.

In PUTRAJAYA, the Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) is coming up
with a system enabling conversion particulars of non-Muslims who
embrace Islam to be documented at the Federal Level.

Its director-general, Datuk Mustafa Abdul Rahman, said this would be
discussed a the state Religious deartment heads forum in March.

He said there would be a re-look at existing administrative
procedures in the event of doubts and problems surrounding converts.

At present, he said, as Islamic matters were under state government's
jurisdiction Jakim did not have records records of converts unless it
requested for them.

A move for the automatic documentation of converts' details by the
Islamic Affairs Council is also on the cards.

Under the plan, those who embrace Islam through Yayasan Dakwah
Islamiyal (Yidim) or Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Islam Malaysia (Perkim)
will have to make known their conversions with the Islamic Affairs
Council in their states.

When the conversion is formalised, council officers are required to
inform their counterparties in the NRD for immediate documentation.

Mustafa said this could provide a clearer picture about one's
religious status and also avoid conflicts which could arise if
documentation of conversion of faith was not done.