Perlis mufti concerned by Loh's plans to reverse conversion, says children want to remain Muslims

GEORGE TOWN: Loh Siew Hong’s attempt to reverse her children’s conversion to Islam is of top concern for Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin.

Loh’s lawyer had said recently that the children’s conversion will be challenged through a judicial review.

Mohd Asri said in a Facebook video on Monday (Feb 21) that Loh’s 14-year-old twin daughters and 10-year-old son were “wholly immersed” in the faith and wanted to remain Muslims.

“We were told earlier that if the children returned to Loh, they could remain Muslims.

"She did not mind so long as she could spend time with them.

“Then, (after a) few days, she seems keen on changing their faith.

"I am not denying that the children want their mother, but this does not mean they want to revert to Hinduism," he said.

Mohd Asri said there had never been an attempt to split Loh and her children.

He claimed that a religious teacher named Nazirah, who was caring for the children in Loh’s absence, had first reached out to her on the (basis) of getting her reunited with her children.

“We are not concerned about custody, but as Muslims, we must ensure these children remain Muslims of their (own) will.

"If they give up Islam on their own or feel cheated by their father who converted them, then that is out of our control,” he said.

He added that he did not want to see a case where a parent promised to keep their children as Muslims, only to flee to a foreign country or “water down” the children’s faith.

On Monday, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ordered the immediate release of the children to Loh from the Welfare Department.