Brunei--Christian Persecution in Brunei

Asia: Brunei Brunei Report Last Updated: October 2001 Code: Not Rated (Click here for a code description.)
	(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Brunei.) List of Articles Last Updated: June 21, 2001

Brunei Statistics:

Religious Atmosphere:

 The government does not publish statistics on religious affiliation. However, the majority of the population is Muslim while perhaps 10% is Christian, and 10% is Buddhist. There is also a sizeable population of expatriate workers in the country. Expatriates generally practice Christianity and Hinduism.

Government:

• Islam is the official religion. 
     
• Non-Muslims are not permitted to proselytize. 
     
• Islamic instruction is required in all schools, public and private, regardless of the religious affiliation of the school. Religions other than Islam may not be taught. 
     
• The importation of religious books and materials is outlawed. 
     
• Permission to build, expand, or repair religious buildings other than mosques is often denied.

 Extremist Groups:

• ICC is not aware of any extremists groups operating in Brunei.

Recent Actions:

• October 19, 2001 – Malai Taufik bin Malai Mashor, Awang Yunus bin Murang, and Awang Haji Mohammad Freddie Chong bin Abdullah were released by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertaun.  The three men confessed before the Sultan and pledged not to repeat their "wrongdoings", and in addition pledged to give full cooperation in the future to the government if needed. (BDN)
        
• February 12, 2001 - This week four of the seven Christians being held for "cult activities" were released. Malai Taufick Haji Malai Mashor, Fredie Chong, and Yung Murang continue to be held. Murang has been sentenced to 2 years in prison for importing Indonesian Bibles into the country.
     
• January 30, 2001 - Another four Christians were arrested in connection with the case mentioned below. Tokching bin Ikas, Mariam Murang, Mary Chedong and Ibu Roslin may have been implicated by papers found in Yung Murang's briefcase.
     
• December 17, 2000 - Three Christians were arrested in Bandar Seri Begawan. Police took Malai Taufick Haji Malai Mashor, Yung Murang, and Mohammed Fredie Chong Abdullah into custody for alleged "cult activity." Bags of Bibles and other Christian materials were also confiscated. Taufik and Chong are both Muslim converts to Christianity and have been offered Islamic "rehabilitation" if they recant their faith.

Prisoners:

• ICC is not aware of any Christians being imprisoned at this time.

Suggested Actions you might take:

• Pray for the Christians of Brunei that they may continue to be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
     
• Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of the Christian community in Brunei. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
      
• Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Brunei asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
      
• Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org. 

Official Contacts:

POSTED:  October 24, 2001

ICC Articles on Brunei: