May 8 Decision At Penang Syariah High Court On Application By Muslim Convert To Renounce Islam

The Penang Syariah High Court today fixed May 8 to decide on an application by Muslim convert, Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah, to renounce Islam.

Cousel Ahmad Munawir Abdul Aziz, representing the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP), told reporters here that the verdict would be read out by former Penang Syariah High Court Judge, Othman Ibrahim, who presided over the case.

Othman is now the Perlis chief syarie judge.

Siti Fatimah, 38, previously known as Tan Ean Huang, 38, of Nibong Tebal, filed her application to renounce Islam on July 10, 2006.

In her affidavit, she stated that she had never practised Islamic teachings since embracing the religion on July 25, 1998.

She claimed that she did not believe in Islam and that she converted to the religion to enable her to marry an Iranian by the name of Ferdoun Ashanian.

The couple married on Sept 16, 2004.

She also claimed that she continued to eat pork and practised her Buddhist faith even after embracing Islam.

Siti Fatimah, a cook, filed the application to renounce Islam after her husband left her. (Bernama)

***** Yet another potential religious time bomb waiting to explode in our midst.