Freedom to Practise Religion in Malaysia

Freedom to Practise Religion in Malaysia

It is with a deep sense of pride that we can lagain reflect on the high degree of religious tolerance and understanding that we maintain in Malaysia. Given its extremely complex ethnic and cultural set up, one would expect religious differences to play a dominant role in our social and political affairs. Surprisingly this has not happened. Although there have been attempts to highlight religious problems every now and then, commonsense and goodwill have always prevailed, making Malaysia the envy of other nations the world over.

Besides the unhealthy attitude adopted by some over zealous missionaries to convert the followers of other religions through their unethical and aggressive methods, we can say that generally there is little discrimination among religions in Malaysia.

To ensure that this atmosphere prevails, Malaysians have preferred to discuss their complaints about their dissatisfaction regarding religious matters between the leaders of the different religions rather than going out on the streets. We must make mention the important role played by the BCCHS - the Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism. This council has brought up many grievances to the government which on its part has generally been receptive and understanding. Of course it is too much to claim that all problems can be easily settled, but at least people have a forum at which their views can be heard.

Another such group is the Insaf which is a group including all major religious groups -Islam, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Sikh and some other religious groups under the umbrella of Pure Life Society which are concerned with fostering greater understanding and respect towards the different beliefs.
Mention must also be made of FIRE, a Catholic movement devoted to Inter Religious Empowerment. It actively promotes ecumenism not only among the different Christian sects, but also tries to reach out to non Christian religions, something quite unthinkable a few decades ago. This group tries to bring different religions, together to prove that we can have different beliefs and yet share our spirituality. Their efforts are to be greatly commended and supported. If we can finally arrive at the day when we agree to respect our different religions without trying to convert others then we would have really gained full spiritual maturity. Let Malaysia show the rest of the world that this can be done.

To further underscore this point, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohd asserted at the 'Conference on Islam and Tolerance' in 1994 :
It should be understood that even the Qur'an had made it clear that there was no compulsion in religion and that Muslims were required to have good ties with non-Muslims who did not develop animosity towards them. If all Muslims know and understand the teachings of Islam from the Qur'an, hadith and sunnah, from books and history, not only will their ties with non-Muslims improve, but also non-Muslims will really understand the teachings and principles of Islam. With this it will improve the Islamic tolerance in relation to all parties. This is an admirable attitude which should be adopted by the followers of all the religious in Malaysia.

Addressing a very young man who was very enthusiastic in the Buddha's teaching the Buddha said, 'Young man, you should not think I teach dharma to gain followers. You should not think that I teach dharma to encourage you to give up your religion to follow me, nor should you think I teach dharma to encourage you to do wrong things. If you follow a teacher and you find his teaching is conducive to your peace and happiness, follow him. I teach dharma to point out that there are things which are harmful to
you and to others. You should abandon them. There are beautiful things for you and for others. Follow them.

'It is difficult for one to find ones own salvation by praising and glorifying one's own religion and condemning and ridiculing other religions. '(Dharmakirti)
Whenever there are different concepts and beliefs among the followers of different religions, instead of arguing or condemning each others beliefs, the best method for them to adapt in order to maintain their friendship is to agree to disagree.