Malaysian court refuses mum's bid to convert sons' religion

PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia's top court on Friday unanimously dismissed a Hindu mother's bid to raise her two young children in the religion they grew up with.

Ms S Shamala's two children were converted to Islam eight years ago by her estranged Hindu-turned-Muslim husband, without her knowledge or consent.

Friday's 5-0 ruling in the Federal Court is a blow to the battle to end one-sided religious conversions.

These have caused a rift in the nation, which is multicultural and secular but recognises Islam as the official creed.

The panel, led by Chief Justice Zaki Azmi, also ruled that Ms Shamala must return to Malaysia if she wants the court's protection.

The 38-year-old fled the country in 2004 with her two sons Saktiwaran and Theivaswaran - now aged 11 and nine years old respectively. Their current location is unknown.

Both parents are in a bitter fight to gain custody over the two boys and be allowed to raise them in their respective religions.