THE leader of an Islamic coalition who called for a law banning Christian evangelism in Malaysia should be dealt with sternly for threatening religious harmony in the country, a Sabah leader and the state’s Council of Churches said.

Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Dr Maximus Ongkili said Sabahans treasure the existing religious peace and harmony that they have been enjoying since the formation of Malaysia, adding that action should be taken against the group calling for the banning of Christian evangelicalism, as it could lead to religious misunderstanding and tension.

SCC president Bishop Melter Jiki Tais said even though Islam is the religion of the federation, the right of every person to profess and practise his religion is never excluded, but guaranteed under Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution.

“The statement is likely to cause disharmony, disunity, feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will among peace-loving Malaysians, and as such, action need to be taken as deterrent to others from making similar statements against the Christian religion,” Jiki said.

Ongkili and Jiki’s angst is directed at the Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy CEO Azril Mohd Amin, who in an article published by national Malay daily, Utusan Malaysia last week, called for a law banning Christian evangelism in Malaysia.

In his article, Azril said the “dangerous movement” that is evangelicalism, must be kept in check as it threatens religious harmony in Malaysia.

“Azril should be tried under the Sedition Act and Penal Code for his impugned statement,” Jiki said.

For Sabah, point 1 of the 20-point Malaysia Agreement specifically states that there shall be no state religion for North Borneo (Sabah).

“It is upon this very basis and spirit Sabah joined in the formation of the federation of Malaysia. This spirit of religious harmony that forms part of the shared history of our nation must be respected, maintained and preserved at all cost by all concerned,” he said.

Jiki said Christian evangelicalism is not merely an intellectual definition but a practical expression of God’s love, and that the Christian faith has contributed enormously to nation-building, and promotion of peace and harmony among Malaysians.

He said the Christian faith is centred on a personal relationship between man and God and the church had demonstrated this in many ways long before the formation of Malaysia.

Jiki cited the church via its mission schools had brought quality education for all races, regardless of their faith and colour and many of its students had gone to become professionals, including leaders and at the same time, engaging in social welfare to all Malaysians.

Ongkili, who is also the Kota Marudu MP said today’s harmonious situation has been achieved through respect for the federal constitution and practise of moderation and tolerance towards each other’s religion.

“No group, especially religious ones, can take laws into its own hands. If such happens, it would only lead to religious misunderstanding and tension, thus resulting in instability in the country.”

Azril’s call to ban evangelicalism came after an outcry from Muslim groups over the “Jerusalem Jubilee” rally, a Christian meet which was to be held in Malacca earlier this month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi urged police to ban the event as it was deemed insensitive by Christians to hold such an event during Ramadan.

Churches in Sabah, however, carried on with a similar event themed, “Borneo revival healing rally”, held in Telupid, Sandakan, Ranau and Keningau.

Sarawak, which first cancelled the event after the Malacca ban, will now go ahead and hold the Borneo rally in the state later this month. – June 20, 2017.