PUTRAJAYA, April 8, 2025 — The Federal Court today dismissed the Perlis state government’s final bid to recognize the three children of Hindu mother Loh Siew Hong as Muslims, ending a prolonged legal battle. The unanimous ruling, led by Chief Judge Datuk Seri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, upheld a May 2024 decision declaring the children’s conversion to Islam unconstitutional due to lack of maternal consent. The court rejected Perlis’ review application, citing no merit under Rule 137. Loh successfully challenged the unilateral conversion in 2022, with the ruling reinforcing the Indira Gandhi precedent requiring both parents’ consent. The children remain Hindus.

Contents