NON-MUSLIMS who convert to Islam to marry should be allowed to renounce the religion after the marriage has ended, said Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN-Kulai).

In a hard-hitting speech, the MCA president made his party's position on the touchy issue of religious conversions clear.

He said MCA did not want non-Muslims to be subjected to any form of Syariah law.

In his 11-page motion of thanks on the royal address, Ong said if a child was unilaterally converted to Islam by one parent, the child should be allowed to maintain his or her original religion until he or she attains a majority age.

Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing seconded Ong's motion.
Ong was given a hard time when he started his speech, but after he declared that he would not be giving way for clarification from members, his fellow MPs kept quiet.

Ong said in the last three years, the country had witnessed an "unprecedented" number of religious matters involving constitutional rights of non-Muslims.

"Non-Muslims are not to be subjected to any form of Syariah law. For disputes or overlapping areas involving the jurisdiction of civil and Syariah courts, civil laws must prevail."

Likewise, in cases involving inheritance, if a mualaf (convert) dies, the estate of the deceased prior to conversion should be subjected to the civil laws on inheritance and succession.

Ong's two-hour speech also touched on the judiciary, corruption, education, economy, crime and security.

On crime and security, Ong went against the government's position on the formation of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Last year, the government had tabled a bill for a Special Complaints Commission (SCC), which was to provide recourse to anyone who had been wronged by an enforcement agency and not just the police. He was a cabinet member when the SCC was tabled last year.

He urged the government to reconsider its position on the IPCMC.

On the judiciary, Ong called on the soon-to-be set up judicial commission to devise a stringent vetting process of candidates to avert any accusations that only those who were connected were being considered to be as judges.

He also suggested that the commission be allowed to recommend candidates as magistrates and Session Court judges.

Currently, magistrates and Session Court judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission.

"We cannot help, but notice that the composition of our judiciary does not reflect the multi-racial aspect of our society.

"I am not suggesting that a racial quota be applied to judicial appointments as it must be based on merit, capability, intelligence, independence and integrity.

"But, at the same time, we must correct any perception that our judges will not be able to adjudicate fairly and impartially on sensitive issues, particularly relating to religion if a person's faith becomes an issue before a panel of judges whose religious faith and belief may differ from his or her's."

He also proposed that for serious criminal cases, the trial by jury system be brought back.

Ong said the fight against corruption must be the government's main priority now.

He suggested that a time frame be set for all government departments and agencies to process approvals.

Explanations must be given if the departments and agencies failed to meet the deadline.

He also proposed that a whistle blower mechanism be incorporated to protect those who decide to blow the whistle on corrupt officers.

"The lower income group needs lots of attention and encouragement from the government to overcome the challenges in their lives.

"They cannot stand hearing or being told that money was allegedly being misused."