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Muslims are being offered money and other rewards for converting semi-nomadic indigenous people  to Islam through marriage.

The Kelantan state government  will give M$10,000 ($21,000) cash, M$1,000 per month, free housing and  vehicles worth M$55,000 to Muslims who marry Orang  Asli, or Original People.

Under sharia laws, a non-Muslim is automatically converted to Islam  on marrying a Muslim.

'We are dissatisfied with the small number of Muslim converts among the Orang Asli,' said Kelantan Missionary and Islamic Development  chief Hassan Mahmood.

Only 2,094 of 12,900 Orang  Asli in the state had converted to Islam, he said on Monday.

The programme has been strongly criticised by both Muslims and non-Muslims as a violation of fundamental human rights.

'This policy seriously discriminates against the Orang  Asli and shows great disrespect for their unique culture and religion,' said Collin Nicholas, director of the Centre for Orang  Asli Concerns.

Most of Malaysia's 180,000 Orang  Asli face severe  hardship related to poverty, modern diseases and neglect. Some remain nomadic  but others have been housed in government-run settlements  and survive by  selling jungle produce.

'The Orang  Asli face numerous problems brought about by modern development,' Mr Nicholas said. 'But disrespect for their culture and their way of life is their biggest hurdle.'

Human rights lawyer A. Sivanesan said the state government had exceeded its mandate with the  policy, which he said interfered in the private lives of citizens.

'The rewards are a form of bribery,' he said. 'This is a callous and disgusting method, and a waste of the taxpayer's money.

'What is there to stop  [Muslim men] from marrying for the rewards and later divorcing and marrying another Orang  Asli?

'The policy exploits the poverty and innocence of the Orang  Asli,'  he said, adding: 'We will campaign against this policy.'

Muslim lawmakers also oppose the move, but leaders of the ruling Parti Islam se-Malaysia argue the rewards  are justified.

'The cash, free housing and vehicle are practical measures to help the married couple get a head start,' said Mahfuz Omar, a senior  party leader. 'We are helping, not discriminating.'



Muslims offered cash to marry and convert  aboriginals to Islam