The Sun, Wednesday January 27th 2010: ‘Religious freedom, tolerance, peace and fairness – values which Malaysians hold dear – remain the bedrock of the country despite the recent vandalism of churches and other places of worship, says the Prime Minister.’

Whilst agreeing with such a noble statement, we have to question as to whether or not we have religious freedom in our country.

My understanding of religious freedom is given in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’

Two important ingredients in this Article are FREEDOM TO CHANGE and FREEDOM TO PROPAGATE (not bribe, intimidate, compel!). Our Federal Constitution curtails both of these freedoms.

1. 160 Interpretation

   “Malay” means a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay customs, and –

   1. Was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or is on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or
   2. Is the issue of such a person;
2. 11 Freedom of Religion
   1. Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion, and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.
   2. No person shall be compelled to pay any tax the proceeds of which are specially allocated in whole or in part for the purposes of a religion other than his own.
   3. Every religious group has the right-
      1. To manage its own religious affairs;
      2. To establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes; and
      3. To acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with law.
   4. State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.
   5. The Article does not authorise any act contrary to any general law relating to public order, public health or morality.

   We certainly hold dear to the value of religious freedom but, in the Malaysia of today, we are only allowed to experience restricted religious freedom. Will there ever come a Malaysia of tomorrow, bringing with it FREEDOM (realising that freedom always demands responsibility) FOR ALL MALAYSIANS TO CHANGE OR PROPAGATE THEIR RELIGION?

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