Article 11 in the news

Article 11 in the Malaysian Federal Constitution states that all citizens have the right to freedom of religion. On 23rd February 2009, it was reported that Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said that there is nothing to stop a Muslim from leaving the religion of Islam. However, the existing legal provisions must apply to the intending apostate before he is able to qualify under the law. (Source: The Edge Daily, 23rd February 2009. Government cannot stop a Muslim from conversion if procedures adhered, no plans to amend Article 11. URL : http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_a2934d82-cb73c03a-1a8402c0-b3e62339)

On the 24th of February 2009, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz clarified his statement when he said that Muslims cannot renouce Islam at will as it would cause chaos within the country. Instead laws must be complied with. He clarified that there were merely procedures to comply with. (Source: The Edge Daily, 24th February 2009. Nazri: Muslims cannot convert at will. URL: http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_a63531d0-cb73c03a-1a8402c0-70f169ca)

Bernama reported that the Government had no plans to amend Article 11. (Source: Bernama, 23rd February 2009. No plan to amend article 11(1) - Nazri. URL: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=391666 )

The Star reported on 24th February 2009 that Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution does not cover Muslims. (Source: The Star, 24th February 2009. Clause doesn't cover Muslims. URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/24/parliament/3330271&sec=parliament)

The question in this country is how many Muslims actually wish to change their religion. Information will have to be obtained in good time.