Muslim convert fails in bid to return to Christianity
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025
Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025
By: Ho Kit Yen, FMT Text Size: The Court of Appeal today reaffirmed that shariah courts have exclusive jurisdiction in cases involving the renunciation of Islam, and the civil courts cannot interfere. PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here has dismissed a Muslim convert's attempt to renounce Islam and revert to his original faith of Christianity. Justice M Nantha Balan, who chaired a three-judge panel, held that the man's appeal had no merit.
Advertisement Sitting with him were Justices Nazlan Ghazali and Azmi Ariffin. The 47-year-old man married a Muslim woman in 2010. However, they divorced five years later. In 2016, he filed an application in the shariah court to renounce Islam, but was ordered to attend 'counselling sessions' instead. The shariah court subsequently dismissed his renunciation application and ordered that he undergo further counselling sessions. The man's appeal to the shariah appeals court was also rejected. He then turned to the civil courts seeking to nullify the shariah court's decision, and sought a declaration that he is entitled to profess his original faith. His legal challenge was dismissed by the High Court in 2023. Nazlan, who read out the judgment today, said the civil court had no jurisdiction to hear cases from the shariah courts. 'This is not a case of him never being a Muslim but a renunciation (of Islam). 'We affirm that shariah courts have the exclusive jurisdiction to hear these cases and civil courts cannot interfere,' he added. The court also noted that the shariah court had dismissed the man's application to renounce Islam on grounds that the evidence presented was 'insufficient'. 'He can apply again before the shariah court,' Nazlan said, noting that there had been cases of successful renunciations. The court made no order as to costs. The man was represented by lawyers Iqbal Harith Liang and Firdaus Danial Tan, while senior federal counsel Idayu Amir appeared for the federal government. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Daily Express
Razali warns youth against 'two-minute professors' online
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Netizens, particularly youths, have been warned to be wary of 'two-minute professors' - political influencers who comment without proper understanding or experience. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Secretary-General Datuk Razali Razi ( pic ) said many such individuals exploit social media for income despite lacking grassroots involvement or policy knowledge. Advertisement Razali, a lawyer, revealed that the party is considering legal action against certain online commentators whom he accused of spreading misinformation for clout. He urged the public to evaluate online content critically and avoid being misled by short, provocative videos containing hateful or false narratives. Razali also called on aspiring commentators to act responsibly and ensure the information they share, especially on politics, religion, and medicine, is accurate and well-researched. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Daily Express
US visa issue: Malaysian students at Harvard can continue their studies for now
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian students attending Harvard University can continue their studies without being interrupted by their visa status for now, the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) said. This follows the latest development on the visa issue, with a United States (US) federal court judge ruling to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) after an application was filed by Harvard, providing relief to over 6,800 international students there. Advertisement The ministry said in a statement today that it was monitoring the developments of this issue closely through Education Malaysia Washington D.C. (EMWDC). 'The decision enables international students, including Malaysian students, to continue studying without interruption for the time being. 'The ministry and EMWDC have also reached out to related sponsors and US education officials. The ministry welcomes their commitment to work together to ensure the wellbeing of our students,' the ministry said. The MOHE also reminded students to update their optional practical training information and to be careful in all action involving immigration matters. Advertisement 'For now, no Malaysian student has been reported to have encountered any problems or issues with their records with the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVIS) and any withdrawal of their visas,' the ministry said. It also recommended new students for Harvard's September 2025 intake to deal directly with the university and their sponsors to obtain the latest developments before making any further decisions. The ministry reiterated Malaysia's belief that cross-border higher education was an important platform to global talent development, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships between countries. The ministry urged all parties to remain calm, act based on verified information, and to prioritse students' welfare when dealing with the issue and would continue to support Malaysian students abroad regardless of the situation in line with the Malaysia MADANI concept. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
9 hours ago
- Daily Express
PM instructs police to look into travel ban on Fahmi Reza
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ( pic ) has instructed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to look into the travel ban imposed on activist and graphic designer Fahmi Reza. The Prime Minister's Office said in a statement today that the MADANI government upholds individual freedom as long as they do not compromise national security or violate existing laws, Advertisement "As such, the police must provide further clarification regarding this matter. "The Prime Minister's Office will continue to monitor the situation accordingly,' it added. The media yesterday reported that Fahmi was banned from travelling abroad after a similar ban was also imposed on him in Sabah last week. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
