Umno also caught off guard by move

PUTRAJAYA: Even Umno has been caught by surprise by Perlis’ move to allow unilateral conversion of children to Islam.

The party will now ask the Mentri Besar to explain the passing of the amendments to the state’s Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment 2006.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said Datuk Seri Azlan Man would be asked to brief the party’s political bureau on the matter.

The bureau, chaired by Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, is expected to meet on Dec 16.

“Yes, we are very surprised by Perlis’ decision. But I’d rather not comment until we get the full picture,” Tengku Adnan told The Star.

It is learnt that Azlan, who sits on the supreme council, did not inform Umno’s highest decision-making body of his state’s decision to table the Bill.

Supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said it would be best if the National Fatwa Council helped clear the air on the matter to avoid confusion.