MCCBCHST statement restricting faith propagation illogical, unconstitutional

 

From Christopher Chin

The recent controversy surrounding the distribution of leaflets on Christianity by three men at Setapak in Kuala Lumpur is sadly more proof of a heightened religious intolerance for non-Muslim religions.

But even more shocking was a statement by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) as reported by FMT on Thursday.

MCCBCHST president Tan Hoe Chieow reportedly said that the propagation of faiths in Malaysia should only be done within houses of worship and not in public. Apparently, this is to ensure religious harmony in the country.

The statement is, with respect, illogical.

In its ordinary sense, “propagate” means to spread beliefs among a wide group of people.

Why would anyone feel the need to propagate within the confines of their own premises? It is akin to preaching to the choir, i.e. trying to convince people who already agree with you.

More importantly, it is also a statement made in ignorance of the constitutional rights of each individual.

Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution provides that “every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Article 11(4), to propagate it.”

Article 11(4) states that state and federal law “may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam”.

To my mind, the MCCBCHST president’s statement, which serves to limit the propagation of religion to within houses of worship, is an unconstitutional limitation to the constitutional right of every person to propagate their religion.

There is nothing in the constitution or in any federal or state law to prevent the public propagation of religions other than Islam to persons of the non-Muslim faith.

I am left to wonder whether the MCCBCHST president sought the views of the leaders of the various Christian denominations prior to making the statement.

I am sure my own church’s pastors would not agree with what he said.

After all, Christianity is about the propagation of the Good News of salvation to all the world. - FMT

Christopher Chin is an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.