PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also urged all Malaysians to support the move, saying it was in line with efforts to empower the national language, which forms part of the nation’s identity.

In a statement, the Pasir Mas MP claimed the BM version of the constitution would offer a more accurate interpretation of its provisions, and clear up any confusion in court.

“This move is in line with Article 160B of the Federal Constitution, which states that if there are any discrepancies or contradictions between the BM and English text, then the BM text should take precedence over the latter.

“The BM version of the Federal Constitution was launched by the King in 2003. Therefore, it is not a matter of translation but merely interpretation so that the BM version becomes the final text referred to by all,” he said.

Yesterday, a rights group and an interfaith council expressed concern over the AGC’s plan, particularly over the BM version of Article 12(4) of the constitution, which deals with the conversion of children.

The BM version states that only the consent of either the mother, father or guardian is required to convert minors.

However, the English version of the text states that the consent of “the parent or guardian” is needed. In 2018, the Federal Court held that the word “parent” meant both the father and mother.

On Monday, Attorney-General Idrus Harun said the AGC planned to propose that Putrajaya make the BM version of the constitution the authoritative text. However, he said this was subject to the King’s approval.