http://www.necf.org.my/html/berita_f.htm PP5872/12/2006 JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2006 EDITORIAL New Straits Times 30 Dec 2005 wo men were discussing the Moorthy’s case. *Abe was Texplaining to *Ben the significance of the Syariah Court’s decision in ruling that the deceased Moorthy was a Muslim. The two then talked about the implications if one spouse converts to Islam and Ben remarked, “What’s the big deal? If converting to Islam causes so much problem, then convert out lah.” (*Names have been changed.) Ben’s remark probably reflects many Malaysian Christians’ shallow and naive understanding of the dual legal system (Syariah and Civil Court laws) in this country. How many of us know that “once a Justice For Muslim, always a Muslim”? To those who are married, do you know what happens to your properties and your children should your spouse convert to Islam? All Malaysians In the Moorthy case, does it not alarm you that the Syariah Court has not to date lawyers have not sighted the shadow of converted spouse and children. made public the documents of Moorthy’s the alleged document. The Moorthy case has indeed opened alleged conversion to Islam? Even And does it not frighten you that non- a cantankerous case of worms. The Moorthy’s widow, S. Kaliammal, and her Muslims have no legal remedy or Syariah Court’s ruling that Moorthy was recourse in court cases that involve both a Muslim has far-reaching repercussions INSIDE Muslims and non-Muslims? In simple on the constitutional rights of the non- THIS ISSUE terms, it means that if a non-Muslim files Muslims in this land, rights that have been a court case which involves a Muslim, insidiously eroded with the High Court’s • The Moorthy Story – A the case will be thrown out! refusal to intervene in the Syariah Court’s Summary of the Case and It must be categorically stated here ruling. That is why we feel compelled to Related Events that the NECF Malaysia upholds the right devote a large part of this Berita NECF of everyone to choose his/her religion, issue to the controversy with the hope • What does the High Court’s ruling imply? – Interview with and that every Malaysian be given the that you will understand the seriousness Lee Min Choon freedom to convert from one religion of the situation. to another at any time of his/her life, Ultimately, we hope that this will • What is Article 121? without any interference from the state. encourage in you a more passionate But while we uphold this right, we desire involvement in and intercession for our • Implications of converting to that conversions be transparent – not beloved country. Islam shrouded in secrecy as in Moorthy’s case May God have mercy on Malaysia. • Sex Swap – especially when they affect the May justice, mercy and righteousness flow inheritance and religious status of the non- like a life-giving river in our land. NECF MALAYSIA COUNCIL ach New Year brings From The We can be joined together with CHAIRMAN Chairman with it fresh challenges. God and with others. The Rev. Datuk Prince Guneratnam EMany people enter a new year Hebrew equivalent “Shalom” means, Vice-Chairman with mixed emotions – excitement “freedom from trouble”. It is possessing Rev. Eu Hong Seng because of new opportunities and anxiety the highest joy and possessing all the inner Honorary Secretary because of the unknown. good possible. Elder Kong Yeng Phooi Honorary Treasurer Jesus’ command to His disciples in The world looks for peace through Mr Samuel Ang John 14:31 “Arise let us go from here” is escapism, avoiding trouble, by refusing Committee Members a very apt scripture to ponder on as we to face reality and denial of problems. It Rev. Justin Wan look to the year ahead. In this scripture is sought through pleasure, satisfaction Rev. Ng Kok Kee passage, the disciples needed hope and and material contentment that does not Rev. Dexter Low direction. Jesus was about to return to last. The peace of Jesus in contrast is a Rev. Foo Moy Ping Rev. Lim Soon Hock the Father, leaving them to complete the peace of tranquility of mind, calmness Pr Tay Wah Seng work He had assigned them. They would in the face of troubled situations. It is Dr Khoo Kay Hup be facing many new challenges. more than feelings or emotions, even Mrs Grace Hee Today, this command continues to more than attitude and thought. Elder Chua Keng Seng speak positively and forcefully to the It is the peace of conquest – Advisor challenges we face; to bring hope and “overcome the world”. “These things I Elder David Boler, K.M.N. comfort to those who are fearful and have spoken to you, that in Me you may aimless in life; and to emphasise our need have peace. In the world you will have NECF MALAYSIA STAFF Secretary-General to arise and go from where we are to tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have Rev. Wong Kim Kong, J.M.N. where and what God wants us to be. overcome the world” (John 16:33). Executive Secretaries Ann Low (Prayer) Kathryn Tan (Finance) Patrick Cheng (Leadership Arise & Go Development ) Lim Siew Foong (Research) Ngeh Hoong Eng (Chinese) Let us consider the scriptural context It is a peace of assurance – Alfred Tais (Bahasa Malaysia) of the command. unquestionable confidence and a Ong Juat Heng (Communications) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I guaranteed outcome of good. “And we Tham Sing Kheong (Administration) give to you; not as the world gives do I know that all things work together for Rev. Lai Moo Him (Special Projects & give to you. Let not your heart be good to those who love God, to those Church Relations) Sandy Tan (Secretary-General’s Office) troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have who are the called according to His Confidential Secretary heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away purpose” (Romans 8:28). Ching Bee Gaik and coming back to you.’ If you loved It is the peace of intimacy with God Administrative Secretaries Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I It is the peace that settles the mind, Adeline Koh am going to the Father,’ for My Father is strengthens the will and establishes the Sangan Mutang greater than I. “And now I have told you heart “Be anxious for nothing, but in Administrative Assistants Yvonne Chin before it comes, that when it does come everything by prayer and supplication, Jouslly Buaya to pass, you may believe. I will no longer with thanksgiving, let your requests be talk much with you, for the ruler of this made known to God; and the peace of EDITORIAL world is coming, and he has nothing in God, which surpasses all understanding, Editor Me. But that the world may know that I will guard your hearts and mind through Rev. Wong Kim Kong, J.M.N. love the Father, and as the Father gave Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). Assistant Editor & Writer Ong Juat Heng Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us This peace is yours as you face the go from here”(John 14:27–31). New Year. ADDRESS The scriptural context of the 32, Jalan SS2/103, command points out three sources of The source of joy (John 14:28–29) 47300 Petaling Jaya Selangor, Malaysia power for us to “Arise and go”. This speaks of “inner gladness or a deep Tel: 603-7727 8227 sense of satisfaction and assurance” which Fax: 603-7729 1139 The source of Peace (John 14:27) comes from the fact that the death and E-mail: [email protected] Jesus promised them His peace. The resurrection of Jesus delivers us from sin, Printed by Calvary Church Press 37, Jln 8/152, Tmn Perindustrian OUG Greek word for peace “eirene” means, death and hell. “Most assuredly, I say to Batu 6, Jln Puchong, 58200 KLumpur “bound together or weaved together”. • SEE PAGE 10 2• Berita NECF JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2006 Justice For All Malaysians The Moorthy Story A summary of the case and related events of Kaliammal Sinnasamy vs Islamic Religious Affairs Council of the Federal Territory, Director Kuala Lumpur General Hospital & Government of Malaysia. By K Shanmuga i) Moorthy had never told Kaliammal concentration. An example was given of Advocate & Solicitor or any of his family members, relatives how at one point in 2004, Moorthy was (Watching brief for Malaysia or close friends that he had converted to unable to find his way home and had to Consultative Council of Islam. telephone to ask someone to fetch him Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism ii) Throughout his life, Moorthy to take him home. He was said to be and Sikhism) professed himself a Hindu and practised suffering from emotional disturbances a Hindu way of life. and frequently forgot what he was doing. oorthy Maniam is a national iii) There had been no announcement Since it was an urgent application during hero. He had been a member at the army camp where he stayed that the Court vacation, a hearing date was Mof the Malaysian team that had Moorthy had converted, and his military fixed on Thursday, 29 Dec 2005. climbed Mt Everest. The plaintiff, identity card had never been changed to However, the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Kaliammal, had been married to show his new Muslim name or his change High Court in Civil Case (Kes Mal) No. Moorthy since 25 Nov 1995. They had of religion. 14100-099-0090-2005 on 22 Dec 2005 one child, now aged about nine.