Islamist party PAS jumped on the bandwagon of Islamic groups against the Bar Council's forum entitled "Conversion to Islam: Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution, Subashini and Sharmala Revisited" today.

In an e-mailed statement, party president Abdul Hadi Awang said PAS vehemently opposed the forum, which will be held at the Bar Council on Saturday.

"Although, PAS accepts the freedom of expression of various parties to dialogue and discuss issues of public interest, nevertheless, issues concerning Islam is something already guaranteed in the Federal Constitution.

"As such, PAS feels if the forum goes ahead, it may raise tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims. This will jeopardise the harmony of the country and will not be beneficial to anyone," said Hadi.

Any discussion pertaining Islam, said Hadi, should involve those who had sufficient knowledge and are authorities in the subject.

"PAS is of the opinion that the Bar Council's initiative, which is secular in nature, will only confuse the real understanding of Islam and cause undue tension.

"To guarantee stability between different religions and races, PAS calls for the forum to be cancelled."

Among the issues to be discussed at the forum include conversions to Islam without spouses' knowledge, conversions of children without dual parents' consent and other inheritance issues.

In Utusan Malaysia today, Muslim Lawyers Association president Abu Zahar Ujang said that any discussion pertaining Islamic matters should involve the appropriate groups and not through a public forum.

"Sensitive issues discussed in a public forum can cause anger and dissatisfaction," said Abu Zahar.

"This country has sedition laws and if the forum causes anger among other races and Muslims, the Bar Council must be held responsible.

Abu Zahar said he was disappointed with the council's leadership, which was more concerned with sensitive issues instead of the welfare of lawyers in the country.

Picket-line

In Alor Star, Islamic Welfare Organisation (Pekida) has threatened to hold a picket if the forum takes place on Saturday.

Pekida president Jamaludin Yusof said its 100,000 members are currently awaiting instructions to protest the forum.

The forum, said Jamaludin, openly challenges Muslims as religious issues are sensitive.

"This is as if the Bar Council wants to challenge the position of Islam as the official religion of Malaysia by discussing issues which could cause political instability in the country," said Jamaludin.

"Such discussions can cause Muslims to feel challenged," he added.

Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution states that the High Court and other appellate courts in Malaysia shall have no jurisdiction in respect of any matter within the jurisdiction of the Syariah courts.

Meanwhile, Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) is due to hold its own public forum entitled "The threat of apostasy" on Aug 15.

Jakim public relations officer Najibah Abdul Mutalib said that the forum is intended to explain the issue of apostates in the country.

"Jakim, as an agency responsible for Islamic matters in the country, is taking the initiative to hold this forum so that the public can obtain more information on the issue.

"The forum also hopes to find a solution to the growing number conversion problems in the country."