The mother of three, who is challenging the conversion of her children, appeared dejected at a press conference here today although she maintained her composure throughout.
She spoke of her devastation and heartbreak over “broken promises” after her eight-year fight, and of not having seen her youngest child since she was a baby.
“I am heartbroken. I cannot see a future for myself and my children. Where do I go? What is the solution?
“My daughter is still missing. She was taken without my consent. No mother should have to go through what I have been through. Where is the solution?
“We are hoping for a better life. I hope the government can give us a better solution,” she said at the press conference.
Indira’s former husband, K Pathmanathan, converted to Islam on March 11, 2009, taking the name of Muhammad Riduan Abdullah.
He left the house three weeks later with their youngest child.
On April 2, 2009, he converted all three of their children to Islam without their knowledge and presence, and without Indira’s consent. He went to the Shariah Court several days later to obtain custody over them.
Indira’s eldest daughter, Tevi Darsiny, is now an adult at 20 while her brother, Karan Dinish, turns 19 in October. They are old enough to decide on their own faiths.
However, the location of nine-year-old Prasana Diksa remains unknown.
Indira’s troubles do not stop there. While she has not experienced any personal attacks, she said she has found it difficult to get a job in Ipoh.
“Whichever interviews I go for, they (potential employers) think I may cause trouble, so it is quite difficult for me to get a job.
“They straight up shut me out. It has been so hard for the past few months.
“It has also been difficult for my daughter as she is unable to secure a higher education loan,” she said.
The bill to amend the act was presented last November and was initially expected to be debated at this parliamentary sitting.
It aimed to resolve conflicts arising from interfaith custody battles between Muslim and non-Muslim parents.
The amendments included a new provision in regard to the religion of the child, with Section 88A(1) stating that if a parent converts to Islam, the religion of the children remains the same unless both parents agree to the conversion of their children.
A new bill, minus the clause preventing the unilateral conversion of children, is expected to be debated tonight in the Dewan Rakyat.
DAP MP Teresa Kok however has expressed her disagreement with this move, saying it should be debated tomorrow as there are already four bills lined up for tonight.
“The bill is the fourth item. Now the first bill has concluded. Another three bills to go. At the rate we are going, it will probably end at midnight. Stop the clock,” she said.
“I spoke to one of the Barisan Nasional MPs. I said, push the bill to tomorrow for a better debate. But they are saying, let it go on. Let it pass.
“That is how they view this,” she said.
Ipoh Barat MP M Kulasegaran meanwhile said there was no point in continuing to beg over the issue.
“We will put all the issues out. We cannot keep on begging.
“They are caught up in their internal political mechanism. It has nothing to do with Indira,” he said.