Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia:
This was a typical case in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
The wrath and exasperation of A. Elangesvaran’s family was clearly shown on Saturday when the the religious authorities of Perak gained a declaration from the Parit Buntar Syariah Court that the deceased, A. Elangesvaran, was a convert at the time of his death.
Apparently, like many other cases, A. Elangesvaran, did convert to the religion of Islam. However, he did not breach the news to his family. The reason for not doing so being to spare his family the pain and shame as a result of his decision.
On june 22nd 2008, Elangesvaran committed suicide and his body was sent to the Parit Buntar Hospital for post mortem. This was when the conflict started.
His family then went to the hospital to claim his body so that he can be given a proper Hindu burial. He was born and brought up as a Hindu.
The Hospital Authorities could not release the body since he was documented as a muslim convert. Then, they [the deceased’s family] filed a summons at the George Town High Court.
Later, a High Court Judge, Balia Yususf, granted a stay which prohibits anyone from removing the body until further developments.
One can only imagine the pain and anguish the deceased family’ went through in such a case.
Since Islam is the official religion as enshrined in our cobnstitution, it is felt proper that muslims are judged by their own law. So far so good.
The problem started when there are cases such as death, marriage and Divorce. Cases involving converts usually took center stage due to emotions attached.
There are opinions that called for the establishment of an arbitrary body that can sit down and issue judgements which will bind all parties concerned. This will save time and avert any religious conflict.
Until then, the minefield is still out there.