The Negeri Sembilan government's proposal that non-Muslims dissolve their civil marriages before allowed to be registered as Muslim converts has been lauded by a cabinet minister.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup believed the move would prevent certain parties from making the conversion and child custody into issues.

"I want to thank the Negeri Sembilan government on the initiative and proposal that will provide the best solution on the religion conversion issue.

"This is important when dealing with child custody cases between parents or guardians comprising Muslims and non-Muslims," he said when closing World Interfaith Harmony Week in Putrajaya today.

The proposal to allow a person to embrace Islam only after divorce would prevent children from becoming victims in custody disputes and to safeguard their welfare.

"Therefore, I would like to express my support for this proposal," said Kurup.

Avoid ridicule

On Feb 5, the Negeri Sembilan government announced a new proposal whereby non-Muslims would have to dissolve their civil marriages before allowed to be registered as Muslim converts.

Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan said they also need to make a statutory declaration stating they had converted to Islam.

This would be done by amending the Administration of Islamic Law (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 2003 to insert the new provisions.

Mohamad, who is also Negeri Sembilan Islamic Council (Mains) chairman, said the new provisions are to protect the sanctity of Islam and avoid ridicule.

- Bernama