In Malaysia, Christians comprise approximately one-tenth of the population. A majority of this number are located in East Malaysia. The major Christian denominations in Malaysia include the Catholic Church, Anglican Church and Methodists.
Church Buildings
Churches are allowed in Malaysia though there are some restrictions on construction of new churches. No pre-existing churches have been closed down by the government and no standing congregations have ben disbanded. However, churches in cities such as Shah Alam (named as Malaysia's first "Islamic City") have not been allowed.
Evangelism
It has been the practice of the church in Malaysia to not actively proselytize to the Muslim community. Traditionally Christian literature used to carry a caption "for non-muslims only", however, this seems to be absent in more recent literature. There is no actual law against preaching to Muslims and Muslims do convert. However there are problems, some of which are covered in this article.
Literature
In Malaysia, the government has banned usage of the Indonesian-language Bible and Malay-language Bible, both known by the name "al-kitab". The reason for the ban is that both books use the term "Allah" for God. However, there is no closer translation from the original Hebrew since both Allah and the Hebrew word for God come from the same Semitic root. Other Christian materials in the Malay language have been banned at various times.
The Iban Bible named "Bup Kudus" was also banned for using the term "Allah Talaa" for God. Eventually it was explained to the government that there was no other comparable term in Iban. As such the ban is not enforced further but it has not been officially repealed. The ban was later lifted after protests from the Christian leaders.
Movies
Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of The Christ was restricted in 2004. Officially, the movie was open to Christians only. Attendance was discouraged since tickets were not carried by the usual box offices. Christian groups such as the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship arranged block bookings of cinemas and distributed tickets to various churches. An initial run of two-months was extended, making it appear doubtful that only Christians viewed the picture.
Activities
Actual modes of worship such as the liturgy used and the sermons are not actively censored or controlled by the government. Occasional surveillance of worship by clandestine operatives does occur.
Christmas
Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia, however, much of the public celebration is commercial in nature and has no overt religious overtones. Ocassionally, Christian activist groups do buy newspaper advertorials on Christmas or Easter but this is largely only allowed in English newspapers and permission is not given every year. The advertorials themselves are usually indirect statements.
2004
In 2004, [1] http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/32072the government organized a national-level Christmas celebration but allegedly imposed an unofficial ban on all Christian religious symbols and hymns that specifically mention Jesus Christ. The event was jointly organised by the Arts, Culture and Heritage ministry, the government of the state of Selangor and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). It has been reported that the Sultan of Selangor and his consort, the Prime Minister as well as assorted cabinet ministers will be in attendance. It will also be televised on TV in a majority Muslim country.
Catholic Research Centre director Rev Father OC Lim (also assistant parish priest at St. Fancis Xaviers) has lodged a formal complaint. He has also stated that "To exclude (such) carols and to use (Christmas) for political gain is outrageous, scandalous and sacrilegious." He also said "To call it a cultural event (as rationalised by Christian politicians who are more politician than Christian) is to downgrade Jesus to a cultural sage such as Confucius."
CFM general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri stated that the government wanted "nothing that insults Islam" during the open house.
Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim later denied that any such ban had been "issued officially or unofficially". He also added that there is "nothing wrong in singing songs such as Silent Night and Merry Christmas" as they are "joyous songs for the festival".
Lee Min Choon, legal advisor to the CFM and the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship issued a statement which said "It means that churches can celebrate Christmas as they have been doing all along. Otherwise, the very meaning of the occasion will be lost." "Now, everybody should take the government at its word and celebrate Christmas the way they normally celebrate and express their religious faith."
Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday in East Malaysia.
For more information, see Discrimination against non-Muslims in Malaysia and Persecution of Christians.
External link
- An outline history of Christianity in Malaysia http://roxborogh.com/Area%20Studies/Malaysia%20www.htm
- Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur http://www.archway.org.my/mlinks.asp
- Malaysian Youth For Christ http://myfc.org.my
- Malaysian Campus Crusade for Christ http://www.mccc.org.my
- National Evangelical Christian Fellowship http://www.necf.org.my/
Last updated: 05-02-2005 06:12:54
Last updated: 05-03-2005 09:00:33
