MCCBCHST Statement Restricting Faith Propagation: Illogical and Unconstitutional
A Call for Religious Intolerance
The recent controversy surrounding the distribution of leaflets on Christianity by three men at Setapak in Kuala Lumpur is a stark reminder of the heightened religious intolerance for non-Muslim religions in Malaysia. However, it is the subsequent statement by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) that has sparked widespread outrage.
The MCCBCHST Statement
According to reports, MCCBCHST president Tan Hoe Chieow stated that the propagation of faiths in Malaysia should only be done within houses of worship and not in public. The reason given was to ensure religious harmony in the country.
A Statement of Ignorance
The statement is, with respect, illogical. Propagation, in its ordinary sense, means to spread beliefs among a wide group of people. Why would anyone feel the need to propagate within the confines of their own premises? It is akin to preaching to the choir, i.e. trying to convince people who already agree with you.
Constitutional Rights
Moreover, the statement is also a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of each individual. Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution provides that “every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Article 11(4), to propagate it.” Article 11(4) states that state and federal law “may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.”
Unconstitutional Limitation
To my mind, the MCCBCHST president’s statement, which serves to limit the propagation of religion to within houses of worship, is an unconstitutional limitation to the constitutional right of every person to propagate their religion. There is nothing in the constitution or in any federal or state law to prevent the public propagation of religions other than Islam to persons of the non-Muslim faith.
Questionable Intent
I am left to wonder whether the MCCBCHST president sought the views of the leaders of the various Christian denominations prior to making the statement. I am sure my own church’s pastors would not agree with what he said. After all, Christianity is about the propagation of the Good News of salvation to all the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the MCCBCHST statement restricting faith propagation is both illogical and unconstitutional. It is a call for religious intolerance and a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of each individual. It is high time that we stand up for our rights and challenge such statements that seek to restrict our freedom of religion.
FAQs
Q: What is the MCCBCHST statement restricting faith propagation?
A: The MCCBCHST president stated that the propagation of faiths in Malaysia should only be done within houses of worship and not in public.
Q: Why is this statement illogical?
A: Propagation, in its ordinary sense, means to spread beliefs among a wide group of people. Restricting it to within houses of worship is illogical and ineffective.
Q: Is this statement unconstitutional?
A: Yes, the statement is an unconstitutional limitation to the constitutional right of every person to propagate their religion.
Q: Can the government restrict the propagation of religions other than Islam?
A: No, there is nothing in the constitution or in any federal or state law to prevent the public propagation of religions other than Islam to persons of the non-Muslim faith.