DAP has nudged reluctant Selangor Menteri Besar Azmin Ali to emulate Negri Sembilan, in requiring people intending to convert to Islam to first resolve their matrimonial issues at the civil courts.

Selangor DAP deputy chief Gobind Singh Deo has urged the state government to set up a special committee to look into the matter.

"From what I read, this is a proposal which should be considered in full and properly studied before any decision is taken over its impact and applicability in Selangor," he said in a statement today.

Azmin was reported as saying yesterday that Selangor had "no plans" to implement similar measures.

He added that the Negri Sembilan conversion rule would not be easy to implement and will require much study.

As the rules concern Islam, Azmin (right) will also need to consult the state sultan and seek his consent.

Gobind said he will be speaking to Azmin on the matter, and stressed that DAP is prepared to assist in considering the conversion rules.

"I am of the view that it stands to reason, and would help immensely in the resolution of problems we have seen in such disputes of late.

"This, to me, would certainly be a step in the right direction," he added.

Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan last week said the state will require those converting to Islam to divorce their spouse if the partner refuses to convert as well.

This, he noted, is to put an end to the ongoing matrimonial and custody tussles involving Muslim and non-Muslim spouses.

There have been several incidences where a spouse converted to Islam and obtained custody of their children from the syariah court, while the non-Muslim spouse obtained custody from the civil court at the same time, thus creating a legal quagmire.

Meanwhile the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) hailed Negri Sembilan for taking the lead on this matter and urged other states to follow suit.

“The commission applauds the Negri Sembilan state government for its leadership in strengthening, protecting and safeguarding its laws concerning conversion to Islam and strongly encourages other states to emulate these proactive and forward-looking steps,” said Suhakam chairperson Hasmy Agam.