KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 -- The Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) head today warned religious preachers not to take advantage of vulnerable Orang Asli communities and trick them into religious conversions of any sort.

Speaking to Malay Mail today, its director-general Prof Dr Juli Edo pointed out that everyone has a right to their beliefs, and this must be respected.

He added that any intention to convert must also come from one's own volition.

"Rightfully, it should not happen. It cannot happen because we have the (Federal) Constitution. We have laws.

"It shouldn't be that way. You cannot force them to convert and then you cannot trick them or take advantage of their situation," he added.

Juli was commenting on a new report by ...