Karpal: Make it easier for converts to renounce Islam - The Star

PETALING JAYA: Converts who want to renounce Islam should be given an easier course of action in the process, says lawyer Karpal Singh.

He said in a statement that while he lauded the Government’s move to introduce new regulations for those wanting to convert to Islam, it was more important to address this issue.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced yesterday a regulation requiring non-Muslims wishing to convert to Islam to inform their family first, so as to prevent any disputes when they died.

Karpal Singh said that no obstacle should be placed in the way of Muslim converts who wished to return to their original religion.

“As the position stands, converts are required to resort to the Syariah Court to renounce Islam, and are further required to undergo rehabilitation,” he said.

He called for the Government to relax the requirements of this move, adding that that there was considerable concern and disquiet among converts on the issue.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/12/nation/20931447&sec=nation]