STATEMENT BY THE CONFERENCE OF THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF MALAYSIA

RE: The Court of Appeal Decision in the matter of R.Subashini-Saravanan

We are deeply disappointed and feel aggrieved by the recent majority decision of the Court of Appeal that the non-Muslim wife had to seek recourse through the Syariah Courts. This is a form of religious oppression and an affront to human dignity. As the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the country, a person of one religion should not be made subject to laws of and governance by another religion. We urge all to voice their grievances against this injustice through proper channels. Let us do all that is possible and also pray that justice and freedom of religion be restored.

Most Reverend Datuk Murphy Pakiam

PRESIDENT
CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF MALAYSIA
Dated this 27th March 2007 in Kuala Lumpur