KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 — A leader with Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) urged the police today to investigate a man’s claim that foreigners in Malacca are proselytising to Muslims there.
In a report on ISMA’s website, the group’s Perak preachers bureau chief Shaharuzaman Bistamam warned that if true, the man’s claim proves that the alleged threat of Christianisation in Malaysia is real.
“This should not happen and is dangerous in a country that places Islam as the religion of the federation,” he was quoted as saying in the report.
Shaharuzaman, who was cited as a researcher in comparative religious studies, said the police should immediately verify the man’s claim and take action.
In the meantime, he said Muslims should be made aware of the threat and stand by their religious beliefs.
“Do not allow yourself to be tainted by the enemy’s agenda, especially this Christianisation movement,” he said in the report.
ISMA reported yesterday that a man had lodged a police report claiming that two foreigners, one from the US and another from Canada, have been spreading Christian teachings to Muslims in Malacca.
A copy of the police report at the Batu Berendam police station claimed that the two “English men” were from an American Christian agency called “Saint Jesuss” [sic], and had received consent from the Malaysian government for their activities.
Malay Mail Online has not been able to independently verify the report with Batu Berendam police yet.
Article 11 of the country’s highest law guarantees religious freedom for all, but Article 11 (4) allows state laws to impose restrictions on the propagation of religious doctrine or belief among Muslims.
In Malaysia, the proselytisation of non-Islamic religions to Muslims is an offence, but not vice-versa.
