“Article 3(1) of the Fed Constitution doesn’t provide for carrying out of ‘dakwah’, arbitrary conversion”

 

THE Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) refers to the statement by PAS Youth’s Dakwah and Islamic Defence Committee chairman Sukri Omar who, among others, defended dakwah (religious propagation) activities carried out at higher learning institutions.

In support, the Selangor PAS Youth chief cited Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution which states that Islam is the religion of the Federation.

He further cited Article 11(1) which states that “Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and subject to Clause (4) to propagate it and Article 11(4) which states “may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among person’s professing the religion of Islam”.

But none of the Articles relied upon by Sukri confers a right to carry out dakwah activities which are not in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the law.

Let us therefore be clear. Non-Muslim Malaysians are fully aware of the position of Islam under Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.

We do not dispute the right of Muslims to practice their faith nor do we object to peaceful dakwah conducted ethically, voluntarily and without coercion.

The real concern is not dakwah. The concern is the method, setting and possible inducement used to encourage conversion, especially within public educational institutions that are funded by and serve all Malaysians regardless of religion.

Exploitation of religious freedom

A public university must remain a safe and neutral space for all students.

It should not be used – directly or indirectly – as a platform for organised religious conversion campaigns, especially where posters, programmes or incentives may create the impression that conversion is being encouraged through material support, institutional endorsement or social pressure.

Freedom of religion under Article 11 includes the right to profess and practice one’s religion. It must also include the right of every student to be free from pressure, inducement or targeted religious persuasion in a public institution.

Religious freedom cannot be reduced to the freedom of one group to propagate while ignoring the rights and sensitivities of others.

PAS Youth is therefore wrong to suggest that questioning such activities amounts to obstructing Islam.

Nobody is objecting to a person freely embracing Islam. What is unacceptable is any attempt to normalise conversion efforts that may exploit financial vulnerability, emotional distress, youth dependency or the unequal power dynamics within a university setting.

The fact that the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has denied approving the poster makes the matter even more serious, not less. It raises legitimate questions:

Who prepared the poster? Who circulated it? Was any university facility, name, logo or network misused? Were students approached? Were financial or welfare benefits linked directly or indirectly to conversion?

Respect must go both ways

These are matters that require a proper and transparent investigation. Asking for an investigation is not anti-Islam. It is responsible governance.

Malaysia’s harmony has always depended on mutual respect. That respect must go both ways.

Muslims have every right to practice Islam. Non-Muslims have every right to ensure that their children and communities are not subjected to conversion efforts through questionable methods in public institutions.

The Federal Constitution must be read as a whole and not selectively. Article 3 recognises Islam as the religion of the Federation but it also guarantees that other religions may be practised in peace and harmony.

The phrase “peace and harmony” must definitely mean something in the context of a multi-religious country.

We therefore urge all parties to return to the core issue: no coercion, no inducement, no misuse of public institutions and no politicising of legitimate community concerns.

A transparent investigation must therefore be carried out, and clear guidelines established to ensure that public universities remain inclusive, respectful and safe for all Malaysian students. 

Editor’s Note: The above statement by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) is signed by the following non-Muslim religious leaders:

• MCCBCHST president and Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) vice-president Venerable Seck Chaio Ying;
• MCCBCHST deputy president and Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) exco member Bishop Dr. T. Jeyakumar; and
• MCCBCHST vice-president and Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia (FTMS) president Dao Zhang Tan Hoe Chieow;
• MCCBCHST vice-president and Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) vice-president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan; and
• MCCBCHST vice-president and Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) president Sardar Jagir Singh.

The views expressed are solely of the author, MCCBCHST and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

Focus Malaysia.