Malaysian Christians Have Nothing To Fear

The news of the raid on the Damansara Utama Methodist Church last Wednesday made headlines and once again, we were back to square one – politicians from both sides of the divide accusing each others parties for Jais’ apparent raid, while a fear of “religious persecution” once again rears its ugly head.

Christian friends felt that the police were about to “arrest” and persecute the diners for their faith. Text messages were flying fast and furious, each with a more exaggerated account of the incident, advising people to stay indoors, stockpile food, etc.

The police were once again accused of “high-handedness” for turning up and ensuring that things don’t get out of hand. Subsequently, the police and Home Ministry officials were found to be polite and forthright in their explanations, and keen to engage Malaysians to help explain matters in perspective.

As tolerant Malaysians, we must realise several important truths with regards to the Damansara Utama Methodist Church incident. There is no law - Syariah or secular - forbidding Muslims from attending 

                                               events, including dinners, in churches.

As the Islamic affairs enforcement body, Jais had every right to investigate public complaints that Muslims were breaking fast inside a church, which had obviously raised the suspicions of the complainant.

Jais however, should have used restraint and followed the proper procedure in showing respect for a hallowed religious ground.

The police in turn were there to ensure that matters did not get out of hand. They were not there to “persecute” anyone.

Christians should take comfort and confidence that freedom of practicing their religion is guaranteed in the Malaysian constitution and that there is no need for fear of persecution. The right of freedom of religion is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed in the Malaysian Constitution.

The provision over the right to freedom of religion is seen as one of the most crucial provisions ever stated in the Federal Constitution. Article 11(1) has never been amended. Indeed, provision in Article 3(1) reiterates the right of individuals, especially the non-Muslims to profess and practice their religion freely, without any fear and interference.

I am a Christian and nobody has prevented me from worshiping or saying my prayers. 

Its also good to remind ourselves that proselytizing to Muslims by members of other religions is prohibited by law, and can lead to jail sentences and strokes of the rotan. Most Christian and other religious groups in Malaysia put a standard disclaimer on literature and advertisements stating "For non-Muslims only.

Politicians meanwhile should put an immediate stop to the disgusting trend of politicising every single thing to further promote their particular agenda. The rakyat have had quite enough of your dramas and sandiwaras, thank you.

The rakyat themselves should refrain from adding fuel to the fire by exaggerating details via social media and the blogosphere which is not going to do anybody any good.

It would be good for all sides to take stock of the situation, step back and carefully examine the events that transpired on the night of Aug 3 in the proper perspective.