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((Short description|Overview))
((Status of religious freedom))
((EngvarB|date=November 2014))
((Use dmy dates|date=November 2014))
While [[freedom of religion]] is ''[[de jure]]'' symbolically enshrined in the [[Constitution of Malaysia|Malaysian Constitution]], it ''[[de facto]]'' faces many prohibitions and restrictions. A [[Malaysian Malays|Malay in Malaysia]] must strictly be a [[Muslim]], and they cannot convert to another religion. Islamic religious practices are determined by official [[Sharia law]], and Muslims can be fined by the state for not [[Fasting in Islam|fasting]] or refusing to [[Salah|pray]]. The country does not consider itself a [[secular state]] and that [[Islam]] is the [[state religion]] of the country, and individuals with no religious affiliation ([[atheism|atheist]], [[agnosticism|agnostic]] or other irreligious life stances) are viewed with hostility.

The Constitution states that Islam is the [[State religion|state religion of the country]] but that other religions are permitted. (Article 3). Article 11 of the Constitution provides the right to profess and to practice any religion, although subject to applicable laws restricting the propagation of other religions to Muslims.<ref>((cite web |last1=Musa |first1=Mohd Faizal |title=Freedom of Religion in Malaysia |url=https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TRS16_22.pdf |website=iseas.edu.sg |publisher=[[ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute]] |access-date=24 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024134915/https://www.iseas.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/TRS16_22.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2022 |date=2022))</ref><ref>Article 11 (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.'</ref>

According to Freedom House based in America, in 2023, the country was scored 1 out of 4 for freedom of religion.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/malaysia/freedom-world/2022|title=Malaysia: Freedom in the World 2022 Country Report|website=Freedom House))</ref>

== Religious demography ==
As of the 2020 Population and Housing Census, 63.5% of the population practices [[Islam]]; 18.7% [[Buddhism]]; 9.1% [[Christianity]]; 6.1% [[Hinduism]]; and 2.7% other or no religion. Other faiths include [[Animism]], [[Folk religion]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Baháʼí Faith]].<ref>((Cite web |title=Malaysia |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/malaysia/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=United States Department of State |language=en-US))</ref><ref name="Census 2010">((cite web |url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=Taburan Penduduk dan Ciri-ciri Asas Demografi |publisher=Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia |page=82 |access-date=25 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113165406/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2013 |df=dmy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=https://www.statistics.gov.my/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=MDMxdHZjWTk1SjFzTzNkRXYzcVZjdz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2010 (Updated: 05/08/2011)|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|access-date=11 March 2017))</ref> 

However, these figures may be misleading as professing the religion of Islam is a requirement for being a [[Malaysian Malays|Malay in the sense of the Malaysian Constitution]].<ref>[[s:Constitution of Malaysia#Article 160|Constitution of Malaysia on Wikisource]]</ref> Moreover, Muslims who wish to leave Islam face strong disincentives.

==Scope of Islamic law in Malaysia==
((More citations needed section|date=October 2007))

The nation maintains two parallel justice systems in the country (see: [[Courts of Malaysia]]). One is the secular justice system based upon laws gazetted by [[Parliament of Malaysia|Parliament]]. The other is [[sharia]] (syariah, Islamic law). Ostensibly [[Syariah Court]]s only have jurisdiction over persons who declare themselves to be Muslims. Consequently, this results in non-Muslims not having legal standing in Syariah Courts.

Non-Muslims can seek recourse from a Syriah court decision in the secular courts, which could overrule the Syariah courts. Syariah courts are limited in their jurisdiction by Article 121 of the Federal constitution. In 2006 a judge ruled that Article 121 limited the federal courts from ruling on matters ruled on by the Syariah court when it touches Islamic matters. This was seen as a misinterpretation of the article by some, and the case is under appeal in the court of appeals.((Citation needed|date=January 2022))

The rules of sharia are set by the various [[sultan]]s of the states. Historically a sultan had absolute authority over the state. Prior to independence, [[Tunku Abdul Rahman]] managed to convince the sultans to cede some states' powers to the [[Politics of Malaysia|federal government]]. One of the terms of this agreement is that the sultans still are the ultimate authority of Islamic law in their respective states. The same arrangement was long held even during British colonial rule. In Selangor, the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988 was signed by the [[Sultan of Selangor]] into law forbidding non-Muslims from using the word "Allah" in a public context.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/jais-flexes-muscles-over-non-muslim-usage-of-allah |title=Jais flexes muscles over non-Muslim usage of 'Allah' &#124; Malaysia |publisher=The Malay Mail Online |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/in-pursuit-of-christians-jais-set-to-test-limits-of-allah-ban |title=In pursuit of Christians, Jais set to test limits of 'Allah' ban &#124; Malaysia |publisher=The Malay Mail Online |date=26 December 2013 |access-date=6 January 2014))</ref> Lawmakers have claimed that this enactment is contrary to the federal constitution.<ref>((Cite web |date=2014-01-03 |title=Amend Selangor Non-Islamic Religions Enactment 1988 — Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, and Lau Weng San |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2014/01/03/amend-selangor-non-islamic-religions-enactment-1988-yeo-bee-yin-rajiv-rishy/591989 |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=Malay Mail |language=en))</ref>

Constitutionally (in [[Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia]]), one of the four tests for entitlement to the privileges accorded to a [[Malaysian Malays|Malaysian Malay]] is that one must be a Muslim. The rationale for this is that Islam is considered intrinsic to Malay ethnic identity, which culturally and historically is ruled by a Sultan who is a Muslim. Another test is that one must follow the Malay culture. Controversially, court rulings have assumed that all [[ethnic Malays]] must automatically satisfy this constitutional definition of a [[Malaysian Malays|Malaysian Malay]], and have therefore concluded that they must satisfy all of its requirements, so they have to be Muslim.

On 29 September 2001, the then [[Prime Minister of Malaysia|Prime Minister]], Tun Dr. [[Mahathir bin Mohamad]] declared that the country was an [[Islamic state]] (''negara Islam''). The opposition leader at the time, [[Lim Kit Siang]], is now actively seeking support to declare Mahathir's move as unconstitutional by repeatedly clarifying that Malaysia is a [[secular state]] with Islam as its official religion as enshrined in the Constitution. However, the coalition government headed by Mahathir at the time held more than two-thirds of the seats in parliament. A two-thirds majority vote in Parliament is required for constitutional amendments in Malaysia.

== Status of religious freedom ==
((More citations needed section|date=October 2007))

Government in general supports Islamic religious establishment and it is the official policy to "infuse Islamic values" into the administration of the country.

However, Sunday which is the Christian traditional holiday is the official weekend holiday in the Federal Territories and ten out of thirteen states, unlike practices in Middle Eastern Muslim countries. The exception are the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, where the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. Most Muslims in Malaysia accept this, although some have expressed disquiet since the most holy period in a Muslim's week is between Thursday evening and Friday afternoon, when the congregational Jumaat prayer is held. The practice of having Sunday as the weekend holiday is a departure from traditional Islamic practices, dating to British colonial days when the British started bringing in non-Muslim immigrants into the country.

In May 2001, the government decided not to approve the [[Falun Gong]] Preparatory Committee's application to register as a legal organisation. This action is believed to be more related to the government's wish to improve relations with China rather than an attempt to undermine the Falun Gong in favour of Islam.((Citation needed|date=December 2023)) The government has not prevented Falun Gong members from carrying out their activities in public.

For Muslim children, religious education according to a government-approved curriculum is compulsory in public schools. There are no restrictions on [[homeschooling]], although primary school is compulsory. However, private schools and colleges do have some legal requirements.

Several religious holidays are recognised as official holidays, including [[Eid ul-Fitr#Eid ul-Fitr in Malaysia and Singapore|Hari Raya Puasa]] (Muslim), [[Eid ul-Adha|Hari Raya Haji]] (Muslim), the [[Prophet's birthday|Milad un Nabi]] (Muslim), [[Wesak]] Day (Buddhist), [[Deepavali]] (Hindu), [[Thaipusam]] (Hindu), Christmas (Christian), and, in [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]], [[Good Friday]] (Christian).

[[Judaism]] is not a recognized religion in Malaysia, and movements within the religion which incorporate Zionism, material containing prayers for the state of Israel, or even the rebuilding of Jerusalem as found in the [[Amidah]] (which may not necessarily be political or Zionist but an expression of a spiritual connection to Jerusalem) are outrightly illegal.<ref>((Cite web|title=Jerusalem event in Malaysia canceled after Islamic party complaint|url=https://www.jpost.com/christian-news/jerusalem-event-in-malaysia-canceled-after-islamic-party-complaint-494895|access-date=2021-04-30|website=The Jerusalem Post ((!)) JPost.com|date=5 June 2017 |language=en-US))</ref> The same law applies to non-Jews who organize prayer gatherings for the same reason who would then also be charged with promoting "Jewish culture".<ref>((Cite web|title=Jerusalem Jubilee banned ((!)) The Malaysian Insight|url=https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/4396|access-date=2021-04-30|website=www.themalaysianinsight.com|language=en))</ref> Individuals who express support for the state of Israel openly can be charged under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act.<ref>((Cite web|last=Mok|first=Opalyn|title=Penang teen who 'liked' 'I love Israel' Facebook page under sedition probe ((!)) Malay Mail|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2014/08/13/penang-teen-who-liked-i-love-israel-facebook-page-under-sedition-probe/725879|access-date=2021-04-30|website=www.malaymail.com|date=13 August 2014 |language=en))</ref> The sedition law prescribes a maximum fine of RM5,000 or a jail sentence of three years for a convicted first-time offender, or both, and raises the jail term to five years for subsequent offenses. The use of Jewish symbols is seen as being insensitive in a multi-racial country and therefore prohibited. This is especially true for the Menorah and Chanukiah because it also commemorates the re-dedication of the holy temple in Jerusalem.<ref>((Cite web|last=RAJ|first=JANE|date=2017-06-05|title=Christian leader questions 'insensitive' Jerusalem Jubilee celebration in Melaka ((!)) New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/06/246008/christian-leader-questions-insensitive-jerusalem-jubilee-celebration|access-date=2021-04-30|website=NST Online|language=en))</ref> Even Jewish prayer items such as a Torah scroll delivered into the country may be confiscated by customs [if it was made known to them that its purpose was for the observance of Judaism]; thus (in reality) the practice of Judaism be it Zionist or not is forbidden. In an interview with Al-Jazeera in 2016 Tun Dr Mahathir Muhamad (4th & 7th Prime Minister- incumbent) conflated all Jews with the State of Israel and reaffirmed his statement that Jews rule the world by proxy and that they get others to die and fight for them.<ref>((Cite news|last=Tharoor|first=Ishaan|title=Former Asian leader won't stop claiming Jews 'rule the world'|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/27/former-asian-leader-wont-stop-claiming-jews-rule-the-world/|access-date=2021-04-30|issn=0190-8286))</ref> In a sermon prepared by the Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (JAWI) it was stated that Jews are to be regarded as the main enemy of Muslims.<ref>Shannon Teoh for the Malaysian Insider, March 30</ref> In 1984 the New York Philharmonic Orchestra had to cancel its visit to Malaysia after the Malaysian Information Minister demanded that a composition by American-Jewish composer Ernest Bloch, be eliminated from their program. That incident had nothing to do with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; only a rejection of all things Jewish.<ref>((Cite web|date=2017-01-09|title=Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council ((!)) Malaysia's obsession with Jews, love affair with Hitler|url=http://aijac.org.au/news/article/malaysia-s-obsession-with-jews-love-affair-with-|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109185539/http://aijac.org.au/news/article/malaysia-s-obsession-with-jews-love-affair-with-|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-01-09|access-date=2021-04-30))</ref>

===Inter-faith efforts in Malaysia===
<!--[[File:Discrimination against the shia.jpg|thumb|right|In this letter purporting to be from the [[International Islamic University Malaysia]], the university is denying employment to a person based on what it claims to be government policy "against employing staff from a particular denomination, [[Shia]]". [http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2001-02/10/article7.shtml Other sources] present similar accounts of discrimination in Malaysia.[http://www.thestandard.com.hk/stdn/std/Weekend/GD23Jp01.html].]]-->
In April 2002, the Human Rights Commission ([[Suhakam]]) initiated an interfaith dialogue aimed at promoting better understanding and respect among the country's different religious groups. Participants included representatives from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department, the Malaysian Ulama Association, and the [[Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism]] (MCCBCHST).

In early 2005, much debate was stirred up by a proposed Inter-Faith Commission put forward by various individuals, some of which included academics and lawyers from the Bar Council.

The steering committee behind the proposal for a draft bill for the commission organised a national conference that saw about 200+ people from all religious backgrounds attending it. There they hashed out the framework for a commission that could advise the relevant parties on the many interfaith issues that arise in pluralistic Malaysia such as conversion from Islam to another faith, which is deemed as apostasy in Malaysia.

[[Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party|PAS]], member of parliament [[Dzulkefly Ahmad]], stated that he is against religious pluralism saying that it has "relativised" truth claims, by implying that Islam is the same as other religions.<ref name="Ahmad">((cite news |last=Ahmad|first=Dzulkefly|title=The religious pluralism debate |publisher=The Malaysian Insider))<!--|access-date=10 April 2011--></ref> Dr. Ahmad went on to make a distinction between promoting relativism of religions and co-operation with people in a "multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual" society, and that the latter was necessary to build a strong country.<ref name="Ahmad"/>

After much coverage in the local newspapers, the draft bill was put on hold by Prime Minister [[Abdullah Ahmad Badawi]], due to the controversy surrounding it.

==Conversion to Islam==

===Marriage and divorce===
A non-Muslim person who wishes to marry a Muslim person must convert to Islam before the marriage can be recognised as legally valid.<ref>[http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Society%20and%20Life/Citizen/Family/Marriage/ProcedureMarriageMuslimandNonMuslim/Pages/MarriageBetweenMuslimandNonMuslim.aspx/ Marriage Procedures Between Muslim and Non-Muslim] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722235304/http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Society%20and%20Life/Citizen/Family/Marriage/ProcedureMarriageMuslimandNonMuslim/Pages/MarriageBetweenMuslimandNonMuslim.aspx |date=22 July 2011 )), Malaysia Government Official Portal. Accessed 23 September 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1033145356664 Marriage in Malaysia] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014012101/http://www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1033145356664 |date=14 October 2007 )), ''British High Commission, Kuala Lumpur''. Accessed 23 September 2007</ref> A marriage between two non-Muslims (civil law marriages), however, will not become void after one spouse subsequently converts to Islam.

In 2006, T. Saravanan, a Muslim convert, sought to dissolve his marriage with his non-Muslim wife via the Syariah Court. His wife, R. Subashini, applied to Kuala Lumpur High Court for an injunction against her husband seeking divorce in the Syariah Court. The High Court dismissed her application. This was affirmed in the Court of Appeal, where the court also ordered Subashini to take her case to the Syariah Court. As of September 2007, their case is pending in the Federal Court after an appeal by Subashini.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110521080009/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F9%2F24%2Fnation%2F20070924191019&sec=nation "Federal Court needs time over Subashini appeal"], ''The Star'', 24 September 2007.</ref> Subashini is also seeking to stop or declare void the conversion of their children.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110521075937/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F9%2F19%2Fcourts%2F18927515&sec=courts "Lawyer: Syariah Court has no jurisdiction over Subashini"], ''The Star'', 19 September 2007.</ref> As of 27 December 2007, R. Subashini failed in an attempt to stop her husband from divorcing her in an Islamic court. She also failed to persuade the federal court her husband should be banned from converting their four-year-old son to Islam. The appeal was rejected on a technicality but court added that she would be able to try again in a few months.<ref>((cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7161177.stm | work=BBC News | title=Malaysia court rejects Hindu bid | date=27 December 2007 | access-date=2 May 2010))</ref>

===Voluntary conversion of minors===
Conversion to other faiths is allowed in Malaysia once one has reached an age of majority. A minor may not convert to another faith without explicit permission of his or her guardian as described in the Guardianship of Infants Act (1961) and the Federal Constitution (Articles 11 (1) and 12 (3) and (4)).

This case was tested by Teoh Eng Huat vs Kadhi mot of Pasir Mas Kelantan in 1986.<ref name=aliran>[http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/monthly/2004b/9e.html "A view on infant conversions to Islam"] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114080721/http://www.aliran.com/oldsite/monthly/2004b/9e.html |date=14 November 2007 )), ''Aliran Monthly''. Accessed 23 September 2007.</ref> Teoh Eng Huat's daughter was a ward of the state. She married a Muslim. Hence then a minor, converted to Islam. The high court ruled that the father's right to decide the religion and upbringing of the infant is allowed "subject to the condition that it does not conflict with the principles of the infant's choice of religion guaranteed to her under the Federal Constitution". Through the proceedings, Susie Teoh never appeared in court to testify.

The decision was over-ruled on appeal to the Supreme Court, who held "in all the circumstances and in the wider interests of the nation no infant shall have the automatic right to receive instruction relating to any other religion other than (her) own without the permission of the parent or guardian".

The Supreme Court further held that this was "only of academic interest" as Susie Teoh was no longer a minor at the time of hearing.

In response several states (Islamic laws are passed by individual states) passed laws providing for conversion by 15 (defined as "baligh" in Islam or the age of puberty). Federal law still provides for the age of majority as 18.

===Automatic conversion of minors following parental conversion===
The state of Selangor passed a legal amendment in 1989 that if an adult converts to Islam, any infant children become converted at the same moment. This passed over the opposition of the [[Malaysian Chinese Association]] and the [[Democratic Action Party (Malaysia)|Democratic Action Party]], and became law. However, after public outcry, it was quietly removed by its non-inclusion in future amendments of the state bill.<ref>((cite web|url=http://aliran.com/archives/monthly/2004b/9e.html|title=Civil-shariah conflict, Malaysia: A view on infant conversions to Islam|website=aliran.com))</ref>

===Conversion of minor by one parent===
In the case of Chang Ah Mee v Jbt. Hal Ehwal Agama Islam (2003) heard in the Sabah High Court,<ref name="aliran" /> the father converted to Islam and converted the child to Islam without consent or knowledge of the mother, Chang Ah Mee, on 28 July 1998. The mother gained custody of the child on 13 November 1998 and subsequently sued to declare the conversion void.

The court determined that as a state court, it had jurisdiction over all state matters even those concerning Islam. Further, based upon the Federal Constitution (article 12), The Guardianship of Infants Ordinance (Sabah) 1999, The Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act, 1976 and The Administration of Islamic Law Enactment 1992 (Sabah) determined the conversion of a two-year-old child to be void.

In 2003, this issue became prominent again in the case of Shamala Sathiyaseelan v Dr. Jeyaganesh C. Mogarajah.<ref name="aliran" /> In the first hearing before the High Court, Shamala Sathiyaseelan sought (1) to bring committal proceedings against the father of the infants for breach of the interim custody order of the High Court of 17 April 2003, and (2) to declare that she was not bound by any decisions, order or proceedings of the syariah court.

Earlier the High Court had granted custody to Shamala Sathiyaseelan with access for the father. He failed to return the children to her on 25 May 2003. Shamala and Jeyaganesh were married under Hindu rites registered under the jurisdiction of the Law Reform Act. The husband converted to Islam on 19 November 2002. On 25 November 2002 he converted the children without the mother's knowledge or consent. They were still not divorced at the time.

Without knowledge of Shamala he then obtained a custody order in the syariah court on 30 January 2003.
The High Court ruled that the custody order issued by the syariah court "did not change the interim civil court order". They ruled that the syariah court order "is not binding on the plaintiff wife who is non-Muslim". The interim custody order of the High Court and proceedings were binding on the now Muslim husband as matters arising out of the Hindu marriage registered under the Law Reform Act. As his Hindu wife did not file for divorce, she remains "his unconverted wife" under this law.

On 13 April 2004 Shamala once again went to the high court. This time to seek an order that the conversion of the infants was void. As in Chang Ah Mee, she cited the Federal Constitution (Article 12), the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961 and the Administration of Islamic Law (Federal Territories) Act, 1993.

The Guardianship of Infants Act for the Federal Territories differed from that of Sabah in one aspect as it used the term "parent or guardian" and not "both parents or a guardian" as in AMLE Sabah.

In this case the High Court ruled that only the consent of one parent is required in the conversion to Islam of a person below 18 in the Federal Territories.

Article 12(4) of the Federal Constitution reads "For the purposes of cl. (3) the religion of a person under the age of eighteen years shall be decided by his parent or guardian."

The High Court interpreted the term parent to mean father. The equality of rights granted to both parents under the Guardianship of Infants Act, 1961 was held inapplicable on the Muslim father.

In its judgement the High Court held the fatwa or the Mufti of the Federal Territory as persuasive (legal term). The Mufti stated that the father had the right to unilaterally convert the infants to Islam.

Shamala once again went to the high court on 20 July 2004 to apply inter alia for custody, care and control of the infants. The court awarded it with access for the father. In its judgement, it stated that "the right of religious practice of the two infant children shall be exercised equally by both parents" based on the Guardianship of Infants Act 1961. This was in spite of the earlier ruling that this act does not apply to Jeyaganesh who was now a Muslim.

The court also held that the applicable law at the time of conversion was civil law. It even ruled that the infants were "still Hindus at the time of conversion" and that the father should have consulted the mother before converting the infants.

However the court explicitly cautioned the mother from "influencing the infants'
religious belief by teaching them her articles of faith or by making them eat pork" or she would risk losing her children. The rationale given was that the court "cannot run away from the fact that the two infant children are now muallaf" (converts to Islam).

As the case has gained prominence various religious organisations, human rights organisations and women's issues organisations have registered watching briefs. En. Haris Bin Mohamed Ibrahim has registered a watching brief on behalf of the Women's Aid Organisation, (WAO), All Women's Action Society (AWAM), Women's Center for Change, Penang (WCC) and Sisters in Islam (SIS).<ref>[http://www.wao.org.my/news/20070102MEMO15LRA.htm "Safeguard Rights Of Wives And Children Upon Conversion Of Husbands To Islam"] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070922202752/http://www.wao.org.my/news/20070102MEMO15LRA.htm |date=22 September 2007 )), ''[[Women's Aid Organisation]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> A. Kanesalingam, held watching brief for the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism (MCCBCHS). Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Bar Council are also holding watching briefs for this case. The various organisations holding watching brief in this case now call themselves loosely Article 11 after the article of the Federal Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion.

In 2014, the [[Seremban]] High Court over-ruled a Shariah Court, granting custody of Muslim children to their Hindu mother over that of their father who converted to Islam.<ref>((cite web |author=Malaysia |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/high-court-overrides-syariah-court-orders-custody-of-muslim-children-to-the |title=High Court overrides Shariah Court, orders custody of Muslim children to their Hindu mother |publisher=The Malaysian Insider |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408203153/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/high-court-overrides-syariah-court-orders-custody-of-muslim-children-to-the |archive-date=8 April 2014 |df=dmy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/custody-of-two-converted-kids-goes-to-hindu-mom/ |title=Custody of two converted kids goes to Hindu mom |publisher=The Malaysian Times |access-date=11 April 2014))</ref> However the father Izwan Viran Abdullah abducted the son from the mother after the ruling,<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/09/muslim-convert-grabs-son-from-ex-wife/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140411135854/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/09/muslim-convert-grabs-son-from-ex-wife/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 April 2014 |title=Muslim convert grabs son from ex-wife |publisher=Free Malaysia Today |access-date=11 April 2014 ))</ref> and in which the police refused to help the mother retrieve the son citing the original Shariah custody ruling.<ref>((cite web|author=sarban singh |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/11/Cops-No-probe-on-Izwan-Father-who-allegedly-took-son-has-custody-order-too-says-OCPD/ |title=Father who allegedly took son has custody order too, says OCPD – Nation &#124; The Star Online |publisher=Thestar.com.my |access-date=11 April 2014))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/igp-cans-child-abduction-complaint-says-muslim-dad-didnt-kidnap-son |title=IGP cans child abduction complaint, says Muslim dad didn't 'kidnap' son &#124; Malaysia |publisher=The Malay Mail Online |access-date=11 April 2014))</ref> The police inaction was criticised by Women's Aid Organisation<ref name="theedgemalaysia">((cite web|url=http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284781&Itemid=77|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140413061000/http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=284781&Itemid=77|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2014|title=Son snatch: WAO takes IGP to task for not acting against Deepa's ex-husband|publisher=theedgemalaysia.com|access-date=14 September 2014))</ref> and both governing and opposition politicians.<ref name="freemalaysiatoday">((cite web|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/12/take-action-against-izwan/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140413060949/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/04/12/take-action-against-izwan/|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2014|title='Take action against Izwan' &#124; Free Malaysia Today|publisher=freemalaysiatoday.com|access-date=14 September 2014))</ref><ref name="malaysia-chronicle">((cite web|url=http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=261311:police-are-being-irresponsible-talk-only-mca-mic-slam-inaction-over-muslim-convert-kidnap-case&Itemid=2#axzz2ykBZjA5a|title=POLICE ARE BEING IRRESPONSIBLE: 'Talk-only' MCA, MIC slam inaction over Muslim convert kidnap case|publisher=malaysia-chronicle.com|access-date=14 September 2014))</ref>

== Conversion from Islam ==
Muslims who wish to convert from Islam face severe obstacles. For Muslims, particularly ethnic Malays, the right to leave the Islamic faith and adhere to another religion is a controversial question. The legal process of conversion is also unclear; in practice it is very difficult for Muslims to change their religion legally.<ref>For a recent case history, see: ((cite news | first = Jane| last = Perlez | title = Once Muslim, Now Christian and Caught in the Courts| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/24/world/asia/24malaysia.html| work = New York Times| date = 24 August 2006| access-date = 25 August 2006))</ref>

In 1999 the High Court ruled that secular courts have no jurisdiction to hear applications by Muslims to change religions. According to the ruling, the religious conversion of Muslims lies solely within the jurisdiction of Islamic courts.

The issue of [[Apostasy in Islam|Muslim apostasy]] is very sensitive. In 1998 after a controversial incident of attempted conversion, the Government stated that apostates (i.e., Muslims who wish to leave or have left Islam for another religion) would not face government punishment so long as they did not defame Islam after their conversion. However, whether the very act of conversion was an "insult to Islam" was not clarified at the time. The Government opposes what it considers deviant interpretations of Islam, maintaining that the "deviant" groups' extreme views endanger national security. In 2005 international media attention focused on the [[Sky Kingdom]] sect whose founder [[Ayah Pin]] claimed to be God, and whose members – mostly Malays – were accordingly charged with religious "deviancy" and "humiliating Islam."<ref>((cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4648581.stm | work=BBC News | title=Malaysian sect members arrested | date=4 July 2005 | access-date=27 March 2010))</ref>

In the past, the Government imposed restrictions on certain Islamic groups, primarily the small number of [[Shi'a]]. The Government continues to monitor the activities of the Shi'a minority.

In April 2000, the state of [[Perlis]] passed a sharia law subjecting Islamic "deviants" and apostates to 1 year of "rehabilitation" (under the Constitution, religion, including sharia law, is a state matter). Leaders of the opposition Islamic party, PAS, have stated the penalty for apostasy – after the apostates are given a period of time to repent and they do not repent – is death.

Many Muslims who have converted to [[Christianity]], [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]], other religions or [[irreligion]] (such as [[atheism]] or [[agnosticism]]) lead "double lives", hiding their new faith from friends and family.<ref>Pressly, Linda (15 November 2006). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/crossing_continents/6150340.stm Life as a secret Christian convert]. ''BBC News''.</ref><ref>Arnholz, Katrin (28 June 2006). [http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/southerncross/articles/muslim_women_who_share_a_secret_love/ Muslim women who share a secret love] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015202913/http://your.sydneyanglicans.net/southerncross/articles/muslim_women_who_share_a_secret_love/ |date=15 October 2008 )). ''sydneyanglicans.net''.</ref><ref name="Jha">((Cite web |url=https://newhumanist.org.uk/articles/5596/losing-faith |title=Losing faith. Leaving Islam in Malaysia poses social and legal challenges – but a new generation is demanding change. |author=Preeti Jha |work=[[New Humanist]] |date=31 March 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020))</ref>

General interpretation about the freedom of religion as described in the constitution in Malaysia is that a person has a right to practice his or her religion freely. This freedom does not grant a person a right to change his or her religion "at a whim and fancy".<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/05/30/malaysias_lina_joy_loses_islam_conversion_case Boston News about Lina Joy conversion case]/</ref> For example, a Muslim who wants to convert to another religion must get an explicit permission from a syariah court. The syariah courts rarely grant such requests, except in cases where a person has actually lived his or her whole adult life as a person of different religion, and only wants to change the official documents to reflect this fact. The Islamic interpretation of the situation is that only the syariah courts can decide who is a Muslim and who is not. A person does not have such freedom, and so cannot have a say in the judgement given in a syariah court.

The [[Lina Joy]] case challenged this view of the situation by taking the problem of apostasy to the Federal Court in 2007. Lina Joy lost the case and was denied identification as a Christian on her identification card. This cleared the situation about the overlapping areas of jurisdiction between the Islamic and the secular courts in Malaysia.

Government figures claim that the sharia courts of Malaysia received 863 applications to leave Islam between 2000 and 2010; only 168 people were granted permission to do so.<ref name="Jha"/>

===Apostasy under state law===
[[File:State laws on apostasy in Malaysia.svg|thumb|300px|State laws on apostasy in Malaysia. Criminal offences include 'apostasy', 'attempted apostasy' and being an 'accomplice to the apostasy' of someone else (i.e. converting another person). 
((legend|#ff0000|Death penalty (suspended by federal law)))
((legend|#ff6600|Imprisonment or detention))
((legend|#c8c8c8|Apostasy not legally possible))
((legend|#00ff00|Apostasy legal after counselling))]]
As Malaysia is a federation, certain matters, such as religion, are handled by state governments. There is subsequently some amount of divergence between different states in the treatment of converts from Islam. Apostasy is not a federal crime.<ref>((Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-religion/malaysia-probes-atheist-group-after-uproar-over-muslim-apostates-idUSKBN1AN18T |title=Malaysia probes atheist group after uproar over Muslim apostates |work=Reuters |date=7 August 2017 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref> Civil rights group G25 stated in January 2020 that, although apostasy is a 'major sin in Islam', Muslims have freedom of worship under the Federal Constitution, just like all other citizens of Malaysia, so the various state laws prohibiting apostasy should be struck down. The group emphasised that other Malaysians are also allowed to change their religion, and pointed to other Muslim-majority countries such as [[Morocco]], where apostasy isn't a crime for Muslims either.<ref name="Choong"/>

==== Legal ====
The states of [[Negeri Sembilan]], [[Perlis]] and [[Selangor]] allow Muslims to leave Islam after a process of counselling, in which they are repeatedly asked to repent, and if they refuse, a sharia court may declare the person no longer a Muslim.<ref name="Aziz">((Cite news |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/415372 |title=Freedom of religion by religion for religion |author=Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz |work=Malaysiakini |date=12 March 2018 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref>

*[[Negeri Sembilan]]: Section 119 Administration of The Religion of Islam (Negeri Sembilan) Enactment 2003 under the chapter of “Renunciation of the Religion of Islam”<ref name="Aziz"/> allows a Muslim change his or her religion for a 'reasonable cause'.<ref name="Samuri">((Cite journal |last1=Samuri |first1=Mohd Al Adib |last2=Quraishi |first2=Muzammil |date=23 April 2014 |title=Negotiating Apostasy: Applying to "Leave Islam" in Malaysia |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09596410.2014.907054 |journal=Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations |publisher=[[Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding]] |volume=25 |issue=4 |pages=507–523 |doi=10.1080/09596410.2014.907054 |s2cid=146655043 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref> A convert must first apply to the Shariah Court for a declaration that he or she is no longer a Muslim; the convert will then be counselled for about a year by a [[Mufti]]. If, after this period, the convert still wants to convert, the judge may permit the application.<ref name="Samuri"/> In 2006, the Negeri Sembilan Court also permitted [[Wong Ah Kiu]], a convert from Islam to Buddhism legally known as Nyonya binti Tahir, to be buried in the Buddhist fashion, although her conversion had not been legally recognised while she was still alive. The case marked the first time non-Muslims had testified in a Shariah court in Malaysia.<ref name="Bernama">((cite news|url=http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=177118|publisher=Bernama|date=23 January 2006|title=Syariah Court Decides Nyonya Tahir Not A Muslim|access-date=2 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111516/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=177118|archive-date=29 September 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all))</ref> Statistics indicate that has the largest number of converts, with 840 applications made to officially renounce Islam in 2005, 62 of which succeeded.((Citation needed|date=May 2011))
* [[Perlis]]: Section 10 of the Perlis Islamic Faith Protection Enactment 2000 enables a Muslim to apply for apostasy. The Aqidah Rehabilitation Centre is given a role to advise the applicant to repent during a counselling process, which is called 'Istitabah'. After the counselling, a sharia court judge will once again advise the applicant to repent, but if he refuses to do so, and 'the judge is satisfied that the person has no liability or obligation under the Islamic Family Law, [the judge will] declare that the person is no longer a Muslim and order his release.'<ref name="Aziz"/>
* [[Selangor]]: after applying to leave Islam, a Muslim needs to undergo counselling and advice by an appointed committee before a decision is made by the shariah court to declare the applicant as no longer Muslim.<ref name="Aziz"/>

==== Illegal ====
In the states Kelantan and Terengganu, apostasy by a Muslim is a crime punishable by death and forfeiture of property; however, federal law prohibits the death penalty from being carried out.<ref name="Choong">((Cite news |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/01/16/g25-apostasy-a-major-sin-but-constitution-provides-freedom-of-worship-for-m/1828698 |title=G25: Apostasy a major sin, but Constitution provides freedom of worship for Muslims too |author=Jerry Choong |work=[[Malay Mail]] |date=16 January 2020 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref> In the states Malacca, Pahang, Perak, and Sabah, apostasy, attempted apostasy or being an accomplice to apostasy of someone else is a crime punishable by various measures ranging from a fine of up to MR 5,000, imprisonment (up to 3 years), or detention in an Islamic rehabitation centre (up to 3 years). In Pahang, apostates can be lashed six times with canes as well:<ref name="Malay Mail graphic">((Cite news |url=https://media.malaymail.com/uploads/articles/2014-07/Apostasy-Graphics.jpg |title=Dropping the Muslim status officially in the Shariah courts |work=Malay Mail |date=July 2014 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref>
* [[Kelantan]]: 'Apostasy' is a criminal offence punishable with death and forfeiture of property but it cannot be applied. 'Attempted apostasy' is another criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 36 months detention in an Islamic Rehabilitation Centre.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>
* [[Malacca]]: 'Apostasy' is a criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 6 months detention in an Islamic Rehabilitation Centre. 'Accomplice to apostasy' is another criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 3 years jail, a RM 5,000 fine, or both.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>
* [[Pahang]]: 'Attempted apostasy' is a criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 3 years jail, six lashes, a RM 5,000 fine, or a combination.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>
* [[Perak]]: 'Apostasy' is a criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 2 years jail, a RM 3,000 fine, or both.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>
* [[Sabah]]: 'Attempted apostasy' is a criminal offence, carrying the maximum penalty of 36 months detention in an Islamic Rehabilitation Centre.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>
* [[Terengganu]]: 'Apostasy' is a criminal offence punishable with death and forfeiture of property but death penalty cannot be applied as this power has not been given to them by constitution. The accused has the option of repentance within 3 days to go free.<ref name="Malay Mail graphic"/>

==== Unclear ====
* [[Kedah]]: The Administration of Muslim Law Enactment (1962) does not mention apostasy. Therefore, it is neither punishable nor officially possible to stop being a Muslim.<ref>((Cite book |last=Moustafa |first=Tamir |date=2018 |title=Constituting Religion: Islam, Liberal Rights, and the Malaysian State |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gCdmDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA67 |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |page=67 |isbn=9781108334075 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref>
* [[Sarawak]]: There is currently no legal process by which to change one's status from Muslim to something else. During an ongoing legal case in that started in 2015, involving three applicants who wanted to return to Christianity after divorcing or the death of their spouses and one applicant who converted to Christianity after marrying a Christian, the state government promised in 2018 to institute a legal process through which Muslims could apostatise.<ref>((Cite news |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/08/27/sarawak-cm-reminded-about-promise-to-amend-shariah-laws-on-apostasy/1666422 |title=Sarawak CM reminded about promise to amend Shariah laws on apostasy |author=Sulok Tawie |work=Malay Mail |date=27 August 2018 |access-date=13 July 2020))</ref>

===Lina Joy===
((main|Lina Joy))
Lina Joy, who was born Azalina Jailani, converted from Islam to Christianity, arguing that it came under her right to freedom of religion under Article 11 of the Constitution of Malaysia. She first approached the National Registration Department (NRD) in February 1997, seeking permission to change her name to Lina Joy, and also her religious status. The application was rejected in August 1997 on the grounds that the Syariah Court had not granted permission for her to renounce Islam. In 1998, the NRD allowed the name change, but refused to change the religious status on her [[MyKad|identity card]].

Joy appealed against this decision in the High Court, arguing that she should not be subject to sharia law, having converted to Christianity. In April 2001, Judge Datuk Faiza Tamby Chik ruled that she could not change her religious identity, because ethnic Malays are defined as Muslims under the Constitution. Joy then took her case to the Court of Appeal. On 19 September 2005, the court ruled in a 2–1 majority decision against Joy. Justice Abdul Aziz and Justice Arifin Zakaria agreed that the NRD was correct in rejecting Joy's application and said it was up to the Syariah Court to settle the issue (Justice Gopal Sri Ram stated that it was null and void). Joy further appealed to the Federal Court of Malaysia, the highest court and the court of last resort in Malaysia.<ref>[http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206548 "Lina Joy's Case: Court Will Give Decision As Fast As Possible"] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518232534/http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=206548 |date=18 May 2007 )), ''Bernama'', 4 July 2006.</ref> The Federal Court heard the appeal in July 2006, and it was presided by the [[Chief Justice of Malaysia]] [[Ahmad Fairuz Abdul Halim]], Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Richard Malanjum, and Federal Court Judge Alauddin Sheriff.

On 30 May 2007, the Federal Court, in a 2–1 decision, dismissed Joy's appeal. The Court's panel ruled that only the Syariah Court had the power to allow Joy to remove her religious designation of Islam from her national identity card. Chief Justice Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Federal Court judge Justice Alauddin Mohd Sharif delivered the majority decision dismissing her appeal.<ref>((cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/30/nation/20070530115251&sec=nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601170354/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F5%2F30%2Fnation%2F20070530115251&sec=nation|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 June 2007|title=Lina Joy Loses Appeal|publisher=theStarOnline|access-date=30 May 2007|df=dmy-all))</ref> Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Justice Richard Malanjum dissented.

===Nyonya Tahir===
((main|Wong Ah Kiu))

Wong Ah Kiu, legally known as Nyonya binti Tahir, died on 19 January 2006.<ref name="Sinchew">((citation|url=http://www.guangming.com.my/gmgn.phtml?sec=193&sdate=&artid=200601201464|periodical=Sin Chew Daily|date=20 January 2006|access-date=2 May 2007|title="她是回教徒" 老婦舉殯宗教局搶屍/"She was a Muslim": Religious Affairs Department claims woman's corpse |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929082450/http://www.guangming.com.my/gmgn.phtml?sec=193&sdate=&artid=200601201464 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 29 September 2007))</ref>  When her family went to the local police office to file a notice of death, the officer on duty was reportedly confused by the fact that the identity card of the deceased identified her as a Muslim Malay, while her family were Buddhist Chinese. He later informed his superior, who contacted the Negeri Sembilan Religious Affairs Department.<ref>((citation|periodical=Bernama|title=JHEAINS accepts whatever ruling by Syariah Court on Nyonya's religion|date=23 January 2006))</ref> The Religious Affairs Department had the Tampin Syariah Court issue an injunction to put her burial on hold when they found out she was Malay; the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Council and Negeri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department then filed an [[ex parte]] application with the [[Syariah]] High Court in [[Seremban]] the next day regarding her burial.<ref name="Sinchew"/><ref name="Bernama"/> The head of the Negeri Sembilan Religious Affairs Department came to her family's house in person to present the order that she be buried in the Muslim fashion.<ref>((citation|title=Seremban Syariah Court declared Nyonya Tahir not a Muslim|date=23 January 2006|access-date=2 May 2007|periodical=Radio Televisyen Malaysia|url=http://besonline.rtm.net.my/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=50945&mode=mode=thread&order=0&thold=0))</ref> However, the court, having heard testimony from her children that she lived and died as a Buddhist, ruled on the following Monday that Wong was a non-Muslim when she died, and permitted her family to proceed with [[Funeral (Buddhism)|Buddhist funeral rites]]. Wong was buried next to her husband in the Chinese cemetery in her birthplace of Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah.<ref name="Bernama"/>

The case marked the first time that non-Muslims had testified in a Syariah court in Malaysia; though non-Muslims are not permitted to initiate cases in Syariah courts, there had never been any official bar to their offering testimony. Religious minorities were reportedly relieved by the decision, but one advocacy group stated that the decision showed that the courts were "inconsistent in their protection" of non-Muslims.
<ref>((cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2006/01/24/nyonya-tahir--a-nonmuslim|access-date=27 March 2020|title=Nyonya Tahir a non-Muslim ))</ref>

===Revathi Massosai===
Revathi Massosai is a Malaysian woman who was raised as a Hindu but her identity card designates her as a Muslim. She has declared her religion to be Hindu and has petitioned unsuccessfully to have the word "Islam" removed from her identity card. Massosai married a Hindu man, but her marriage is not recognised by the Malaysian government because of religious issues. Massosai was incarcerated for six months in an Islamic re-education camp because of her attempts to renounce Islam in favour of the Hindu religion.<ref>((cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6278568.stm|title=Malaysia 'convert' claims cruelty|work=BBC News|access-date=6 July 2007 | date=6 July 2007))</ref> She was also denied the guardianship of her newborn baby and was not allowed to meet her Hindu husband.

===Persecution===
There have been a few high-profile incidences and accounts of persecution of people from Muslim backgrounds attempting to convert from the Islamic faith. Some notable cases include:
* '''Hilmy Mohd Noor'''
Hilmy Mohd Noor, in his book ''"Circumcised Heart"'', describes his experiences during his detention under the [[Internal Security Act (Malaysia)|Internal Security Act]] of Malaysia in what he described as resulting from religious persecution by Malaysian authorities. In the book, he also mentioned incidences of lobbying by some Muslims in his place of employment—a multinational oil company—to get his job terminated.<ref>Nor, Hilmy: "Circumcised Heart", Petaling Jaya: Kairos Research Centre, 1999, ((ISBN|983-9506-05-6))</ref><ref>Interlit Magazine: [http://www.cookministries.com/international/training/resources/InterLit_June04.pdf. Synopsis of Circumcised Heart by Miriam Adeney] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070604180421/http://www.cookministries.com/international/training/resources/InterLit_June04.pdf. |date=4 June 2007 )), p. 23; Vol. 41 No. 2, Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries International, June 2004 (URL last accessed on 21 May 2007)</ref>
* '''Nur'aishah Bokhari'''
Nur'aishah Bokhari made a writ of [[habeas corpus]] by statutory declaration claiming that she was detained involuntarily by her own family members for wanting to convert out of Islam before marrying her Roman Catholic boyfriend. She subsequently escaped and has since left the country.<ref>Isu Murtad Nur'aishah Bokhari: [http://aishahb.tripod.com/the_statutory_declaration.htm Statutory Declaration by Nur'aishah Bokhari] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070604162531/http://aishahb.tripod.com/the_statutory_declaration.htm |date=4 June 2007 )) (URL last accessed on 21 May 2007)</ref>
* '''Abdullah or Jeffrey'''
Jeffrey, also known as Abdullah and Or Boon Hua, 36, made the application on the grounds that he had not practiced Islamic teachings since converting to the religion 14 years ago.<ref>News from www.TheStar.com.my: [https://web.archive.org/web/20080821093955/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2008%2F8%2F18%2Fnation%2F20080818192650&sec=nation] (URL last accessed on 18 August 2008)</ref>

In 2016, a court in Sarawak state allowed a Muslim to convert back to Christianity since he had become a Muslim when he was underage.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2016/march/malaysia-rules-muslim-can-convert-to-christianity.html|title=Malaysia Rules Muslim Man Can Convert to Christianity|first=World Watch|last=Monitor|website=News & Reporting|date=30 March 2016 ))</ref>

In March 2024, a controversy erupted in Malaysia after socks bearing the word "Allah" were sold at KK Super Mart, leading to legal charges against the store's owner and supplier for wounding religious feelings and intensifying discussions on religious sensitivity in the country. <ref>((Cite web |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/27/king-dont-fuel-anger-over-allah-socks-controversy-leave-it-to-authorities-to-act-according-to-law/57803 |title=King: Don't fuel anger over 'Allah' socks controversy; leave it to authorities to act according to law |date=2024-03-27 |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=Malay Mail))</ref>

==Christian proselytisation==

===Proselytising===
[[Proselytising]] of Muslims by members of other religions is prohibited by federal law, even though Muslims may proselytise. It is prohibited in 10 of the 13 states (i.e. excepting Penang, Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territories) and can lead to lengthy jail sentences and many strokes of the ''rotan'' (whipping). Most Christian and a few other religious groups in Malaysia put a standard disclaimer on literature and advertisements stating "For non-Muslims only".<ref>((cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8151352.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=15 July 2009|title=Religious row flares in Malaysia |date=15 July 2009))</ref>

=== Religious Materials ===
In 2002 the government banned the Bible in Malay (Alkitab) and in Iban (Bup Kudus). The Kudus uses the term "Allah Taala" for God. The ban has since been rescinded. [[Abdullah Badawi]], when in office as Home Minister, claimed it was the work of an overzealous bureaucrat and he had the ban repealed personally.

Some states have laws that prohibit the use of Malay-language religious terms such as usage of the term "Allah" for God by Christians, but the authorities do not enforce them actively.

Distribution of other materials such as books or tapes translated into Bahasa Melayu (local Malay) or [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] is also discouraged. However, Malay-language Christian materials are available. Prior to the banning of the Bup Kudus in 2002, the distribution of Malay-language Christian materials faced few restrictions in East Malaysia.

=== Visas and other restrictions ===
In recent years, visas for foreign clergy no longer are restricted, and most visas were approved during the period covered by this report. Beginning in March 2000, representative non-Muslims were invited to sit on the immigration committee that approves such visa requests.

==Persecution of non-Sunni Muslims==
((See also|Persecution of Ahmadis))
According to government figures((citation needed|date=March 2019)) there are about 40,000 Shiites living in Malaysia, however the unofficial figures put the numbers at more than 300,000.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://en.mehrnews.com/news/116422/Malaysia-hard-place-for-Shia-Muslims|title=Malaysia 'hard place' for Shia Muslims|date=11 May 2016))</ref> Shiites are subjected to persecutions and raids by various state religious authorities in Malaysia.<ref>((cite web |last=Ariffin |first=Lisa J. |url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/01/14/malaysian-shiites-face-growing-persecution/ |title=Malaysian Shiites face growing persecution |publisher=Free Malaysia Today |access-date=6 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106142547/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2012/01/14/malaysian-shiites-face-growing-persecution/ |archive-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all ))</ref> This discrimination received religious legitimacy in 1996 when the Fatwa Committee for Religious Affairs issued a religious opinion (fatwa) that upheld the “orthodoxy” of Sunni Islam and branded Shi‘a Islam as “deviant.” In doing so, it prohibited Shi‘a from spreading their beliefs and distributing any electronic or print resources that espoused Shi‘i principles. Interestingly, this opinion overturned a 1984 decision from the same committee that deemed Shi‘ism acceptable in Malaysia.<ref>((cite web |author=Malaysia |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ignorance-extremist-sunnis-fuelling-anti-shia-sentiments-in-malaysia-says-a |title=Ignorance, extremist Sunnis fuelling anti-Shia sentiments in Malaysia, says academic |publisher=The Malaysian Insider |access-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106124912/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ignorance-extremist-sunnis-fuelling-anti-shia-sentiments-in-malaysia-says-a |archive-date=6 January 2014 |df=dmy-all ))</ref><ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/malaysia-and-its-shia-problem|title = Malaysia and its Shi'a "Problem"))</ref> It caused many Shias to practice their religion underground.<ref name="nytimes">((cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/world/asia/28iht-malay28.html?_r=0|title=The New York Times|date=27 January 2011|access-date=14 September 2014|last1=Gooch|first1=Liz))</ref>

In April 2009, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council of Malaysia issued a letter which forbade members of the [[Ahmadiyya Muslim Community]] to offer [[Jumah|Friday prayers]] at their central mosque with immediate effect. Moreover, its failure by the Ahmadis to comply with the terms of the order will result in imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine up to 3000 Malaysian [[ringgit]]. A large notice has been place outside the mosque which states ''Qadiani Bukan Agama Islam'' which translates to ''Qadiani [Ahmadiyyat] is not an Islamic Religion.''<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.thenutgraph.com/mais-forbids-ahmadiyya-worship/|title=MAIS forbids Ahmadiyya worship|date=28 April 2009|publisher=thenutgraph|access-date=26 October 2010))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.thepersecution.org/press/09/my090428.html|title=ISLAMIC COUNCIL IN MALAYSIA ISSUES NOTICE TO AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMAAT PREVENTING USE OF CENTRAL MOSQUE|publisher=thepersecution|access-date=26 October 2010))</ref>

==Discrimination against atheists==
((See also|Irreligion in Malaysia))
The state has come under criticism from [[human rights]] organisations for its discrimination against atheists.<ref name=reuters131210>((cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE9B900G20131210|title=Atheists face death in 13 countries, global discrimination: study|author=Robert Evans|date=9 December 2013|publisher=[[Reuters]]))</ref> In August 2017, Minister in the [[Prime Minister's Department]] [[Shahidan Kassim]] declared that "atheism is against the [[Constitution of Malaysia|Constitution]] and the basic human rights" in Malaysia since "there is no provision on atheism" in the Constitution. Shahidan wanted atheists and atheist groups like the Kuala Lumpur chapter of [[Atheist Republic]] to be identified and hunted down. He also stated that "we need to restore the faith back in them, especially for Muslims. Actually they don't really want to be an atheist, but they lack knowledge about religion and that is why they are easily swayed to the [[new age]] teaching".<ref>((cite web|title=Minister urges govt to hunt down atheist group|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/08/08/minister-urges-govt-hunt-down-atheist-group|work=[[The Sun (Malaysia)]]|access-date=9 August 2017))</ref> [[Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki]], Deputy Minister in the [[Prime Minister's Department (Malaysia)|Prime Minister's Department]] in charge of Islamic affairs, stated that the group Atheist Republic will be investigated.<ref>((cite news|last1=Kumar|first1=Kamles|title=Atheists in Malaysia should be hunted down, minister says|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/atheists-malaysia-hunted-down-minister-says-100400984.html|access-date=9 August 2017|work=[[Yahoo News]]|date=8 August 2017|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402072624/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/atheists-malaysia-hunted-down-minister-says-100400984.html|url-status=dead))</ref>

==Places of worship==
The government generally respects non-Muslims' right of worship; however, state governments carefully control the building of non-Muslim places of worship and the allocation of land for non-Muslim cemeteries. Approvals for such permits sometimes are granted very slowly.((citation needed|date=October 2014))

The [[Catholic]] Society of [[Shah Alam]] had been lobbying the state government for a permit to build a church in that city for more than 10 years. It was not until 2004 that the permit was finally granted. The church opened its doors on 10 September 2005.

The new pre-planned capital of Malaysia, [[Putrajaya]], features a grand mosque as a prominent feature of the planned community. On 16 November 2005, Archbishop [[Murphy Pakiam]] announced that the Malaysian government had generously allocated a parcel of land in Putrajaya to the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur for building a Catholic church-run community centre. The Putrajaya Catholic Church Building Committee was set up on 3 October 2005. According to the committee, "The architectural planning and design will conform to the Liturgical requirements complementing the ambience of Putrajaya's lush greenery and landscape. We envisage the Putrajaya church to be a hallmark of the Catholic community in Malaysia and showcase the rich heritage of the Malaysian Catholics."

==Azan==
The first Islamic call to prayer or Azan (also spelt [[Adhan]]), known as [[Fajr|"subuh"]] (or dawn), occurs between as early as 4.30&nbsp;AM to as late as 6.15&nbsp;AM (depending on which region, city and state) with the exact time drifting throughout the year. Most Malaysian businesses start work as early as 7&nbsp;AM up till as late as 9&nbsp;AM.((Citation needed|date=March 2016)) Many mosques amplify the early prayer call by way of loud speakers, and while in some cases only a few neighbouring homes are affected, some large mosques (for example the State Mosque of Selangor which has speakers on its minarets) have prayer calls which can be heard in a large surrounding area.((Citation needed|date=March 2016))

In 2004 the [[Bar Council of Malaysia]] journal "Infoline" carried an article which questioned the need for the Azan as it was disturbing to non-Muslims and not needful. The article was condemned because Azan is a religious requirement.<ref>((Cite web |last=Theophilus |first=Claudia |date=2004-08-06 |title=Azan controversy: Bar explains writers intention in article |url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/28980 |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=Malaysiakini))</ref>

In December 2004, Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Datuk Seri Utama Dr [[Rais Yatim]] mentioned in an interview that the Azan may be disturbing. He stated "...the Muslim call for Subuh (dawn) prayer may disturb the sleep of non-Muslims but they have accepted this as a fundamental part of [[Islam]].((Citation needed|date=March 2016)) But how loud the volume of the [[Public address|PA]] system in the mosque should be, is another matter."<ref>New Straits Times, 20 December 2004</ref>

Excessive noise however is common matter of uneasiness among some Malaysians because non-Muslims also often practise rituals that cause much discomfort to others (Muslims and non-Muslims alike).((citation needed|reason=Seems to be a very childish retort without fact |date=March 2016)) Among these are Chinese funeral processions that are often accompanied by drums and cymbals, and other rituals not exclusive to the Chinese.((citation needed|reason=Seems to be a very childish retort without fact |date=March 2016))

A local daily, The Star reported that a proposal by Kepong MP Dr [[Tan Seng Giaw]] to regulate the Azan so that it will not be too loud or disturb non-Muslims caused a stir in the [[Dewan Rakyat]].<ref>((cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2005%2F9%2F28%2Fparliament%2F12168612&sec=parliament|title=28-Sep-2005 issue|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713060706/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2005%2F9%2F28%2Fparliament%2F12168612&sec=parliament|archive-date=13 July 2007|df=dmy-all))</ref> Muslim MPs accused him of being insensitive and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk [[Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz]] blasted the DAP member for allegedly trying to destroy the multi-religious tolerance in the country.((Citation needed|date=March 2016))

==Taxation==
In Malaysia, there is a rebate in [[income tax]] for money paid to the government in form of "[[zakat]]", or the obligatory alms Muslims must give to the poor. However, money paid to other causes in the name of other religions under similar circumstances is given only income tax relief, and such relief is given only if the particular beneficiary has obtained approved status from the Malaysian Government, which is difficult in practice. Money donated to such approved beneficiary is only deducted from the income on which the amount of tax is based, while zakat is deducted from the amount of tax itself. For example, suppose a person earning RM 50,000 owes a tax of RM 3,000 and donates RM 1,000 to zakat, the whole of the RM 1,000 is directly deducted from the RM 3,000, whereas donations to other approved beneficiary would permit only a deduction of the RM 1,000 against the RM 50,000. The former being a tax credit and the latter being a tax deduction.

Zakat (or tithe) monies, however, are paid by Muslims directly to official organisations run by state governments. Receipts are issued out and must be submitted to apply for tax relief.
The zakat organisations themselves are governed by specific Islamic rulings defining the categories of people who qualify to receive the alms as well as the amount to be paid out by Muslims based on their income.

In contrast, charities in Malaysia are run privately by voluntary organisations, collecting voluntary donations from the general public, not compulsory tithes – thus the difference in treatment by the government.

Additionally, income tax relief granted to companies for donation made to tax exempt charities is restricted to 5% of the aggregate income of the company. Not all non-Muslim charities are granted tax exempt status, it is only given to registered and approved charities, partly to prevent abuse. There are stringent requirements to gain this advantage. Having earned this advantage these charities are further disadvantage in that their prospective donors are discouraged from donating monies to these charities because the donors are given tax relief for up to 5% of their aggregate income only.

==Inheritance under Sharia law==
Upon the death of a Muslim, his or her [[Estate (law)|estate]] shall be distributed according to [[sharia|sharia law]]. This is called the ''Faraid'' or the Islamic law of Inheritance. A Muslim is allowed to make a [[Will (law)|will]], called a ''wasiat'', but only one-third of his estate shall be disposed of according to the will. Furthermore, the requirement under sharia law is that disposition according to wills shall not benefit any person opposed to Islam as a religion. This situation applies throughout [[Peninsula Malaysia]] and [[Sabah]]. In [[Sarawak]], a Muslim testator may dispose one-third of his property to anyone he or she wishes.

==Freedom of expression==

=== Films ===
Movies which depict people considered prophets in Islam are generally censored or banned as the depiction of prophets is considered "[[haraam]]" (not allowed) under Islam. One notable case was the banning of ''[[The Prince of Egypt]]'' when its producers would not accept censorship of the character [[Moses]] (Musa in Islam).

However, in a more recent case, ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'' was allowed, after the intervention of the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, under strict conditions restricting its viewership to Christians with sales of tickets being carried out by various churches and para-church organisations.

In 2004, Yasmin Ahmad's (herself a Malaysian Muslim) film ''[[Sepet]]'' was rejected by censors who asked that scenes be removed. 10 scenes were objectionable. Among objectionable material queried in the movie was why the movie did not depict any attempt to convert Jason (the Chinese non-Muslim main character) to Islam after he had fallen in love with a Malay girl.

In 2014 the biblical film [[Noah (2014 film)|Noah]] was banned by the Malaysian authorities reasoning that the film was un-Islamic.
<ref>((cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/malaysia-bans-biblical-epic-noah-23266201 |title=Malaysia Bans Biblical Epic 'Noah' – ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=16 November 1991 |access-date=11 April 2014))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-bans-noah-film/1059528.html |title=Malaysia bans Noah film as "un-Islamic" |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=5 April 2014 |access-date=11 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409003011/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/malaysia-bans-noah-film/1059528.html |archive-date=9 April 2014 |df=dmy-all ))</ref>

===Print media===
((see also|The Herald (Malaysian Catholic Weekly)|Titular Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur v Menteri Dalam Negeri))
On 10 December 2007, Malaysian authorities banned the Malay-language section of a Catholic weekly newspaper, [[The Herald (Malaysian Catholic Weekly)|The Catholic Herald]] due to its use of the word [[Allah]], the name for God which Christians had used for hundreds of years in the country.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.nasdaq.com/news/|title=Today's Stock Market News and Analysis from Nasdaq.com|website=NASDAQ.com))</ref><ref>((cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6990454.ece|title=Security increased at Christian churches as Allah row divides Malaysia|author=Richard Lloyd Parry|work=The Times|date=16 January 2010|access-date=11 July 2010))</ref> Their reasoning is that the word Allah by Christians would confuse Malay Muslims. The Herald meanwhile, filed suit at the beginning of December following warnings that its permit could be revoked if it did not cease use of the word "Allah" in the Malay language section of its newspaper.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/malaysia.christians.challenge.ban.on.word.allah/15823.htm|title=Malaysia Christians challenge ban on word 'Allah' - Christian News on Christian Today|website=www.christiantoday.com))</ref> Countering the Herald's suit, the Malaysian security authorities on 30 December, warned its printing permit would not be renewed if it continued using the word "[[Allah]]," which the government continued to say can only be used by Muslims.<ref>((Cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071230/wl_asia_afp/malaysiareligioncatholicislammedia_071230080713 |title=Archived copy |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-date=5 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305164615/https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071230/wl_asia_afp/malaysiareligioncatholicislammedia_071230080713 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

The Catholic Church began its challenge of the government gag order prohibiting it from using the word "Allah" in its Herald-The Catholic Weekly- through a judicial review. The government had earlier argued that the church's application is frivolous and had urged the court to throw it out but [[Madam Justice]] Lau Bee Lan disagreed and allowed the application by the Titular Roman [[Catholic]] [[Archbishop]] of Kuala Lumpur, Datuk [[Murphy Pakiam]], for leave to sue the government regarding the use of the word "Allah" to proceed. Three points that were raised in the lawsuit. The first is for the court to declare that the government's action in prohibiting The Herald from using the word "Allah" is illegal and null and void. The second is for a court declaration that the Archbishop as publisher of The Herald is entitled to use the word "Allah" and lastly, that the court should declare that the word "Allah" is not exclusive to the religion of Islam.<ref name="SinChew">((cite news|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/10953?tid=4|publisher=Sin Chew|date=5 May 2008|title=Court Allows Archbishop To Sue Govt|access-date=5 May 2008))</ref>

=== Bibles and religious literature ===
* The [[Sabah]] [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] Church of [[Borneo]] also took legal action after the authorities banned the import of Christian books containing the word [[Allah]].<ref name="Internation Herald Tribune">((cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/28/asia/AS-REL-Malaysia-Allah-Ban.php|agency=Associated Press|date=28 December 2007|title=Malaysian church, weekly newspaper sue government for banning use of word 'Allah'|access-date=28 December 2007))</ref>
* In January 2008, children's Christian books with illustrations of prophets were confiscated from several bookstores around the country.<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.ccmalaysia.org/press/200801117confiscating_of_christian_literature.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302152709/http://www.ccmalaysia.org/press/200801117confiscating_of_christian_literature.htm|url-status=dead|title=Confiscating of Christian Literature – Council of Churches of Malaysia|archivedate=2 March 2008))</ref>
* In May 2008, Malaysian customs confiscated 3 Christian CDs with the words Allah written on them from a Christian Sarawakian lady, Jill Ireland bint Lawrence Bill. She [[Jill Ireland v Menteri Dalam Negeri|challenged]] the confiscation of the CDs in court.((update inline|date=April 2024))<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.abigmessage.com/malaysia-no-to-christian-allah.html|title=Abigmessage.com|website=www.abigmessage.com))</ref>
* In March 2010, the Malaysian Home Ministry seized 30,000 Malay bibles from a port in Kuching, [[Sarawak]].<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/christians-say-fed-up-with-najib-administration/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312011701/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/christians-say-fed-up-with-najib-administration|url-status=dead|title=Christians say fed up with Najib administration|archivedate=12 March 2011))</ref>
* In January 2014, the Selangor Islamic Religious department (Jais) raided the Bible Society of Malaysia and confiscated 320 Malay and Iban bibles, which catered for Sabah and Sarawak Christians.<ref>((cite web |last=Ariffin |first=Lisa J. |url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/01/02/jais-raids-bible-society-bibles-seized/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140102221655/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/01/02/jais-raids-bible-society-bibles-seized/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2014 |title=Jais raids Bible Society, Malay bibles seized |publisher=Free Malaysia Today |date=2 January 2014 |access-date=6 January 2014 ))</ref><ref>((cite web |author=Malaysia |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/selangor-religious-authorities-raid-bible-society-of-malaysia-chairman-held |title=Selangor Islamic authorities raid Bible Society of Malaysia, 300 copies of Alkitab seized |publisher=The Malaysian Insider |access-date=6 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105081457/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/selangor-religious-authorities-raid-bible-society-of-malaysia-chairman-held |archive-date=5 January 2014 |df=dmy-all ))</ref>
* In October 2014, [[Royal Malaysian Customs|Malaysian Customs]] seized Christian books and CDs from a pastor at the low cost terminal at [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport]] who was on the way back to Sabah from [[Medan]].<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/10/31/red-faced-home-ministry-explains-seizure/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141101023637/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/10/31/red-faced-home-ministry-explains-seizure/|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 November 2014|title=Red faced Home Ministry explains seizure|date=31 October 2014))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/latest-seizure-proves-allah-verdict-affects-sabah-sarawak-christians-too-da|title=Latest seizure proves 'Allah' verdict affects Sabah, Sarawak Christians too, DAP MP says|date=31 October 2014))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-reassurance-useless-after-latest-seizure-of-allah-cds-and-books-says |title=Najib reassurance useless after latest seizure of 'Allah' CDS and books, says DAP - the Malaysian Insider |access-date=2014-11-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031105251/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/najib-reassurance-useless-after-latest-seizure-of-allah-cds-and-books-says |archive-date=31 October 2014 |df=dmy-all ))</ref>

=== Individual words ===
Under subsection 48(3) and (4) of the Penang Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2004, the Mufti of Penang state is allowed to pass legally binding religious rulings, or ''fatwa''. In 2010, this power was used to pass a fatwa which would penalize non-Muslims for using the following words, or to write or publish them, in any form, version or translation in any language or for use in any publicity material in any medium:
''"Allah", "Firman Allah", "Ulama", "Hadith", "Ibadah", "Kaabah", "Qadhi'", "Illahi", "Wahyu", "Mubaligh", "Syariah", "Qiblat", "Haji", "Mufti", "Rasul", "Iman", "Dakwah", "Wali", "Fatwa", "Imam", "Nabi", "Sheikh", "Khutbah", "Tabligh", "Akhirat", "Azan", "Al Quran", "As Sunnah", "Auliya'", "Karamah", "Syahadah", "Baitullah", "Musolla", "Zakat Fitrah", "Hajjah", "Taqwa" and "Soleh".''<ref>((cite news|title=Penang mufti outlaws 40 words to non-Muslims|url=http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/penang-mufti-outlaws-40-words-to-non-muslims-1.459685|newspaper=New Straits Times|date=2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111074402/http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/penang-mufti-outlaws-40-words-to-non-muslims-1.459685|archive-date=11 January 2014|df=dmy-all))</ref><ref name="penang">((cite web|url=http://mufti.penang.gov.my/index.php/en/fatwa/islamic-religious-administration-enactment-2004 |title=ENACTMENT |publisher=mufti.penang.gov.my |access-date=14 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082325/http://mufti.penang.gov.my/index.php/en/fatwa/islamic-religious-administration-enactment-2004 |archive-date=21 April 2014 |df=dmy ))</ref> This ruling caused uproar, particularly in the [[Sikh]] community, as Sikh religious texts use the term "Allah", with members of the community calling the law unconstitutional.<ref>((cite news|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/check-law-first-karpal-asks-penang-government-over-decree-banning-muslim-wo|title=Check law first, Karpal asks Penang government over decree banning 'Islamic words'|newspaper=Malaysia Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115063512/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/check-law-first-karpal-asks-penang-government-over-decree-banning-muslim-wo|archive-date=15 January 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy))</ref> The ban was overturned in 2014, as Penang lawmakers decreed that the Penang Islamic Religious Administration Enactment law only gave the Mufti permission to pass ''fatwas'' for the Muslim community, and that these bans were not enforceable on non-Muslim individuals.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/non-muslims-can-use-word-allah-penang|title=Non-Muslims can use the word 'Allah' in Penang|date=December 12, 2014|website=TODAYonline|access-date=August 21, 2018))</ref>

==Protests against religious freedom==

On 5 November 2006, a group of Muslims gathered outside the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Silibin, in the town of Ipoh, Perak to protest an alleged conversion of Muslim Malays out of Islam. The allegation was spread via a text message that claimed the church would baptise a group of Muslim Malays. The message proved to be false as the church celebrated only a Holy Communion service for 110 Indian children. The message further alleged that a famous Malaysian sportsman [[Azhar Mansor]] was leaving Islam to embrace Christianity. The police had traced the message to a lady who had met [[Harussani Zakaria]], mufti of the state of Perak in a meeting. He has stated that the message was to remain within the confines of the meeting but had made no attempt to verify the authenticity of the message nor report it to the police as converting Muslims is illegal under Malaysian law. On 17 November, Azhar Mansor declared that he had not renounced Islam,<ref>[http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=16145 Mariner Azhar: I have not renounced Islam] ((webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208155950/http://www.sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=16145 |date=8 December 2008 )), theSun, 17 November 2006.</ref> and Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that there should now be an end to the speculation.

== Destruction of religious property ==

===Destruction of Hindu temples((anchor|Destruction_of_Hindu_Temples))===
((See also|Hinduism in Malaysia|Cow head protests|HINDRAF|2007 HINDRAF rally))

Approximately nine percent of the population of [[Malaysia]] are Indians, of whom nearly 90 percent are practising [[Hindus]]. Indian settlers came to Malaysia from India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

After a violent conflict in [[Penang]] between [[Hindu]]s and [[Muslim]]s in March 1998, the government announced a nationwide review of unlicensed Hindu temples and shrines. However, implementation was not vigorous and the program was not a subject of public debate. In April 2006, local authorities demolished several Hindu temples to make way for developmental projects. Their excuse was that these temples were unlicensed and squatting on government land.

Between April and May 2006, several Hindu temples were demolished by city hall authorities in the country, accompanied by violence against Hindus.<ref>[http://www.malaysiakini.com/opinionsfeatures/52600 Temple row – a dab of sensibility please],''malaysiakini.com''</ref> On 21 April 2006, the Malaimel Sri Selva Kaliamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur was reduced to rubble after the city hall sent in bulldozers.<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.gatago.com/talk/politics/mideast/12428067.html|title=Muslims Destroy Century-Old Hindu Temple|date=4 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104235008/http://www.gatago.com/talk/politics/mideast/12428067.html |archive-date=4 November 2006 ))</ref>

The president of the Consumers Association of [[Subang, Selangor|Subang]] and [[Shah Alam]] in [[Selangor]] had been helping to organise efforts to stop the local authorities in the Muslim dominated city of [[Shah Alam]] from demolishing a 107-year-old Hindu temple. The growing Islamization in Malaysia is a cause for concern to many Malaysians who follow minority religions such as [[Hinduism]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4965580.stm Pressure on multi-faith Malaysia],''BBC''</ref>

On 11 May 2006, armed city hall officers from [[Kuala Lumpur]] forcefully demolished part of a 60-year-old suburban temple that serves more than 1,000 Hindus. The "Hindu Rights Action Force", a coalition of several NGO's, have protested these demolitions by lodging complaints with the Malaysian Prime Minister.<ref name="Finexp"/> Many Hindu advocacy groups have protested what they allege is a systematic plan of temple cleansing in Malaysia. The official reason given by the Malaysian government has been that the temples were built "illegally". However, several of the temples are centuries old.<ref name="Finexp">[http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=128069 Hindu group protests 'temple cleansing' in Malaysia] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704022731/http://www.financialexpress.com/latest_full_story.php?content_id=128069 |date=4 July 2007 )),''Financial Express''</ref>

According to a lawyer for the Hindu Rights Action Task Force, a [[Hindu temple]] is demolished in [[Malaysia]] once every three weeks.<ref>[http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-30397720071108?pageNumber=1 Malaysia ethnic Indians in uphill fight on religion] Reuters India – 8 November 2007</ref>

Malaysian Muslims have also grown more [[anti-Hindu]] over the years. In response to the proposed construction of a temple in [[Selangor]], Muslims chopped off the head of a cow to protest, with leaders saying there would be blood if a temple was constructed in [[Shah Alam]].<ref>[https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5RWG2ScAdC9V7eo-B6-KfUL3QjgD9ABV6U81 Malaysia Muslims protest proposed Hindu temple] Associated Press – 28 August 2009</ref>

Laws in the country, especially those concerning religious identity, are generally slanted towards compulsion into converting to Islam.<ref>[http://dailypioneer.com/230183/Malaysia-strips-Hindus-of-rights.html Malaysia strips Hindus of rights] Daily Pioneer – 19 January 2010</ref>

=== Destruction of Chinese shrine ===

In February 2020, more than a dozen Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) enforcement officers tore down a Chinese shrine dedicated to "[[Na Tuk Kong|Datuk Gong]]" near Yu Xu Gong temple in Taman Bidara, Selayang. The shrine, which had stood at the end of the alley for close to 30 years, was torn down by MPS enforcement officers because according to the council, it was built illegally on government land.<ref>((cite web |last1=Amir |first1=Azdee |title=Devotees upset over Selayang shrine removal |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/563138/devotees-upset-over-selayang-shrine-removal |website=New Straits Times |date=February 6, 2020 |access-date=26 March 2020))</ref>

=== Church attacks ===
((Main|2010 attacks against places of worship in Malaysia))
The Metro Tabernacle, an [[Assemblies of God]] church in Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur was set on fire on 8 January 2010.<ref>((cite news |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_474843.html|publisher=Straits Times|date=8 January 2010|title= M'sian church fire-bombed |access-date=8 January 2010))</ref> While in Malacca, black paint was splashed on the outer wall of the Malacca [[Malaysia Baptist Convention|Baptist]] Church in Durian Daun.<ref>((cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/1/11/nation/5447587&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114023041/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F1%2F11%2Fnation%2F5447587&sec=nation |archive-date=14 January 2010 |title=New cases of attempted arson and vandalism being probed |url-status=dead |access-date=9 September 2013 |df=dmy-all ))</ref>

=== Mosque/prayer halls (Surau) attacks ===

There were also incidences of attacks being made onto Muslim places of worship. In January 2010, two separate prayer halls (surau) in Muar became targets of arson attacks.<ref>((cite news |url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/122463 |title=Two surau in Muar firebombed |access-date=9 September 2013))</ref> And as recent as August 2010, another prayer hall in Seremban was subjected to vandalism. The prayer hall was defaced by red paint and littered with alcohol bottles.<ref>((cite news |url=http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/140832 |title=Surau attacked with red paint |access-date=9 September 2013))</ref>

==See also==
* [[Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism]]
* [[Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno]]
* [[Human rights in Malaysia]]
* [[Religion in Malaysia]]
* [[Politics of Malaysia]]

==References==
((reflist|3))

==External links==
* ((cite web
| url = https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2006/71347.htm
| title = International Religious Freedom Report 2006 – Malaysia
| access-date = 8 November 2006
| publisher = US Department of State
))
*[https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/malaysia/ US State Dept 2022 report on Religious Freedom in Malaysia]

((Malaysia topics))
((Asia topic|Freedom of religion in))

((DEFAULTSORT:Freedom Of Religion In Malaysia))
[[Category:Freedom of expression in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Religion in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Freedom of religion by country|Malaysia]]
[[Category:Human rights in Malaysia]]
[[Category:Discrimination in Malaysia]]

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