11/08/2018 Malaysia (International Christian Concern) – The director of Malaysia’s Religious Freedom and Liberty Partnership claims that there is an obvious “deep-seated tension between ultra-conservative Muslims and the new government.” This tension is evidenced by a Malaysian Catholic MP’s call last month asking the government to sign the UN declaration of the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief.
The Catholic MP was the first member of parliament to go on record making such a bold statement concerning religious freedom, particularly in support of such freedom.
Ultra-conservative Muslims criticized her statements saying that she was “[encouraging] apostasy and promoted the proselytization of Muslims.” As a result of her statement, she has been heavily harassed, to the extent that she filed a police report in fear of her safety.
The country is trying to explain how signing this declaration is not defiling the Islamic religion, but rather simply recognizing and protecting the rights of other religions as well, so they too may practice their own faith and religion as they please.
For interviews with Gina Goh, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
