Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz says he stands by the cabinet's decision in 2009 not to allow the unilateral conversion of minors to Islam.

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament lobby today, Nazri said it was his opinion that conversion should only be done with the consent of both parents.

"The constitution must be read as inclusive, not exclusive, especially when it comes to religion," he said.

He, however, refused to state whether he would support or vote against the Administration of the Religion of Islam (Federal Territories) Bill 2013, which allows for unilateral conversion by one parent.

“Wait for the second reading,” he said curtly.

He also said that the term ‘parents’ should always refer to both parents collectively and not either one of them.

“When I was in school, parents always meant both the mother and father, not either one,” he said.

BN component parties MCA, MIC and Gerakan have voiced their objections against unilateral conversions.

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