`


THERE IS NO GOD EXCEPT ALLAH
read:
MALAYSIA Tanah Tumpah Darahku

LOVE MALAYSIA!!!


 


Thursday, February 19, 2015

LACK OF FAIRNESS STRIKES A CHORD: Outpouring of support for Sabah family in Muslim conversion mess

LACK OF FAIRNESS STRIKES A CHORD: Outpouring of support for Sabah family in Muslim conversion mess
KOTA KINABALU - The plight of Jilius Yapoo, the 46-year-old rubber tapper whose daughter was “converted” to Islam without his knowledge, is winning sympathy and support, both morally and financially.
The plight of Jilius, who lives in a sparsely-furnished wooden home in Kampung Kaiduan, about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu and supports a family with eight children on his monthly pay of RM350, has tugged at the hearts of many, with some offering cash aid while others gave morale support.
According to Michael Frederick, the president of non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Angkatan Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (Agaras) that has been spearheading the case, they have so far collected around RM8,400 in cash from well-wishers and sympathisers.
“We’ve had so much support and interest from the public. Many have called me asking about the case, and many more comment on social media. They are touched by his story and really want to help,” Frederick told Malay Mail Online.
The cash has come from over 60 people, excluding personal contributions from politicians from both sides of the divide and other visitors.
More than the cash, however, are the individuals Frederick has rallied to the father’s cause.
Among those Frederick has roped in include Penampang MP Darell Leiking, Papar MP Datuk Rosnah Abdul Shirlin, Kawang state assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Khan, Kepayan state assemblyman Edwin Bosi, Kota Kinabalu MP Jimmy Wong and social activist Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.
“I’m really grateful for the help and support. I just hope that the family can get over this issue soon,” said the Dusun-speaking Jilius.
The plight of Jilius Yapoo, who lives in a sparsely-furnished wooden home in Kampung Kaiduan, about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu and supports a family with eight children on his monthly pay of RM350, has tugged at the hearts of many, with some offering cash aid and morale support.
Last week, Malay Mail Online reported that Jilius made a police report that his 16-year-old daughter had “converted” to Islam by way of reciting the Kalimah Syahada or Muslim declaration of faith, and started wearing a headscarf while at boarding school without her parent’s knowledge.
The Sabah Education Department denied wrongdoing on the school’s part, claiming the student was influenced by her peers and willingly wanted to convert while the principal was unaware. It also said the former school warden who was allegedly involved has been transferred out and was blameless.
State police have declared that, according to the law, the girl is not officially a Muslim as a minor’s religion came under the purview of her parents or legal guardian.
Jilius is now seeking legal redress from the school for not upholding his rights as a parent, and to transfer all four of his children in SMK Kinarut out of the school.
It was learnt that a meeting occurred on Monday among several Christian lawyers and the Sidang Injil Borneo church leaders to discuss the incident.
Leiking had previously said he would look into the legal options available to the father, but will first send the school a letter seeking the chronology of events and identity of the warden involved during the minor’s declaration. - Malay Mail

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.