Mormon Church Denies Proselytizing Muslims in Malaysia
Recent Controversy Surrounding Foreigners’ Activities
A recent video has been making the rounds, showing a resident ordering a pair of foreigners to leave a block of flats after they allegedly went door to door to propagate their religion. The incident has sparked concerns and outrage among locals, with some calling for stern action against the individuals involved.
Mormon Church Denies Involvement
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormon Church, has officially denied that its volunteers have proselytized Muslims in Malaysia. In a statement, the Church took issue with the "harmful misrepresentation of our young volunteers" featured in a FMT article yesterday.
"In response to recent media misrepresentations of its young volunteers preaching to Muslims, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints clarifies that its young volunteers did not and have not at any time proselytized Muslims," the statement read.
Church’s Commitment to Peaceful Approach
The Church reiterated its foundational doctrine of "obeying, honouring and sustaining the law" and emphasized its commitment to upholding the laws of the land and maintaining a respectful and peaceful approach in the spirit of religious harmony and unity.
Investigation Ongoing
Police launched an investigation into the incident, which involved two foreigners distributing leaflets on Christianity at Desa Setapak in early January. The authorities were reportedly tracking the duo down.
Interfaith Group Calls for Action
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) has urged the authorities to take stern action against the individuals involved. The group’s president, Tan Hoe Chieow, said that if the allegations were true, the pair should be deported and banned from returning to Malaysia.
Second Incident in Two Months
This is the second incident in the span of about two months involving foreigners propagating their faith in public. The first incident occurred in early January, when two foreigners were confronted by a member of the public after allegedly distributing leaflets on Christianity at Desa Setapak.
Police Report Not Filed
Wangsa Maju police chief Lazim Ismail said no police report had been filed on the matter. However, both news reports failed to mention the foreigners’ religion.
Conclusion
The recent controversy surrounding the alleged proselytizing of Muslims by foreigners in Malaysia has sparked concerns and outrage among locals. While the Mormon Church has denied any involvement, the incident has raised questions about the tolerance and respect for different religions in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ stance on proselytizing Muslims in Malaysia?
A: The Church has officially denied that its volunteers have proselytized Muslims in Malaysia, affirming that its young volunteers did not and have not at any time proselytized Muslims.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation into the incident?
A: The police are still investigating the matter, and no police report has been filed.
Q: What is the position of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism on the incident?
A: The council has urged the authorities to take stern action against the individuals involved, including deportation and a ban on their return to Malaysia.