Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today came under fire for allegedly trying to 'eyewash' the public on the controversy surrounding religious conversions.

The newly formed Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), a coalition of more than 50 Hindu groups, said the premier must step up efforts to offer a permanent and not 'piecemeal' solution.

On Tuesday, Abdullah said laws governing religious conversions need to be clear to prevent confusions, in reference to the tussle over deceased Everest climber M Moothy's religious status.

However, he did not indicate which laws needed to be revamped or whether he wants the Federal Constitution amended.

"The statement made by the prime minister is very weak and vague. It does not create a great impact long awaited by the non-Muslims. Instead it is nothing but an eyewash to temporarily calm the present political situation," said Hindraf chairperson P Waytha Moorthy in a statement.

The coalition also blamed the confusion in the interpretation of Article 11 and 121 (1A) on the judiciary, accusing it of abdicating its powers conferred under the Constitution.

Safeguard interests

Hindraf also urged Abdullah to safeguard the interest of the minorities to preserve the multiracial and multireligious nature of the country.

"We feel that no one race or religion should monopolise and capitalise others," said Waytha.

Hindraf, which includes the Hindu Seva Sangam, Vivekananda Youth Movement, Tamil Foundation, Malaysian Indian Youth Council and others, was formed in response to the Dec 28 high court decision on Moorthy's case.

Moorthy, who had become paralysed from the neck down after an accident seven years ago, had died on Dec 20 from injuries sustained after falling of his wheelchair.

A tussle ensued between the 36-year-old former army commando's widow S Kaliammal and Islamic religious authorities, who claimed that the deceased had converted and thus must be buried according to Islamic rites.

On the other hand, Kaliammal claimed that her husband was a practising Hindu but the Syariah Court ruled that he was a Muslim while the high court said it had no jurisdiction over the matter.

The case had made headlines and caused concern among non-Muslims, who have called for the law to be ammended.

On Monday, Hindraf handed a petition to the King to immediately suspend Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Md Raus Sharif and remove him from the Bench.