THE proposal to prohibit evangelicalism by Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (Centhra) is proof that the government has failed to instil religious understanding, tolerance and harmony in Malaysia, says Parti Warisan Sabah.

Warisan Youth vice chief Jo-Ann Henley Rampas said the proposal was “ridiculous” and there was no evidence to substantiate claims that evangelicalism would threaten harmony in the country.  

“How many times have revival activities in Malaysia caused criminal activities such as kidnap-for-ransom, rioting, anarchy, militancy or death of civilians?” she said.

Rampas noted that evangelists carried out their work with full regard of the Malaysian law and pointed out that the freedom to profess one’s beliefs is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

She was commenting on Centhra CEO Azril Mohd Amin essay in Utusan Malaysia yesterday, where he said Christian evangelicalism should be banned in Malaysia as it threatened religious harmony.

“Evangelism is an outreach programme to bring the good news of redemptive salvation through God, not only to non-Muslims but also Christians.

“So, is Azril trying to tell us that our Federal Constitution only allows Christians to go to church and celebrate Christmas and not evangelise among non-Muslims or to do revivals among other Christians?” she said.

Rampas said Muslims in Malaysia were protected by the Federal Constution, acts of Parliament and the government, therefore, Azril should not be worried that evangelicalism would affect Muslims.
She said Azril’s distorted view was evidence of the government’s failure to instill religious tolerance.

“My main question is, who are these people and why are Sabah and Sarawak federal ministers keeping quiet and letting bigots like Azril thrive?

“Why can’t we have a renewal of spirit through the revival movement and why is there even a suggestion to ban evangelicalism?

Rampas said religous freedom in Malaysia was rapidly eroding despite the guarantees made in 1963,  when Sabah and Sarawak agreed to form Malaysia. 

“Now, more and more people are dictating their own interpretation of what is ok and what is not on matters related to religion,” said Rampas, citing that the proposed law just adds to the problem after the controversy surrounding the use of the word “Allah” and unilateral child conversions. – June 16, 2017.