Overview
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia in two distinct parts. Peninsular Malaysia is at the southern end of the Malay Peninsular and borders Thailand to the north. Across the South China Sea East Malaysia constitutes the northern part of the island of Borneo (with the exception of the two small enclaves that make up Brunei). About three-quarters of the island, to the south, is part of Indonesia.
Peninsular Malaysia gained its independence from Britain in 1957 (known at the time as the Federation of Malaya). It united with the colonies of Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo) to become Malaysia in 1963. Singapore, the group of islands off the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, was originally part of this merger but became an independent state two years later.
Malaysia currently has a population of around 32 million, about half of which are Malay. There are significant Chinese and Indian minority groups. The Sunni form of Islam is the official state religion. The constitution allows freedom of religion; however, all Malaysian Malay people are classified as Muslim by law and cannot convert to another religion. Christians are thought to make up about 9% of the population.
What it means to be a Christian in Malaysia
The majority of Christians in Malaysia are from the various ethnic minorities. These Christians have comparative freedom to practice their faith – as long as they do not attempt to evangelize Malays. In East Malaysia (see overview, above) Christians generally enjoy greater freedoms. However, there are financial benefits offered to Malay citizens in an attempt to increase the Muslim population there. This includes offers to Christians who will convert to Islam. Benefits offered have included cars, houses, income reimbursements and educational benefits.
In Peninsular Malaysia Christians face increasing restrictions. This includes difficulty in gaining permits to build new churches. Existing churches will function in Mandarin, Tamil or English languages, but not in Malay. It is illegal for Malay people to own a Bible. Attempts by individuals to join a church may be met with threats of arrest or of the church being closed.
Persecution
According to Release International partners persecution is increasing in Malaysia. In recent years government policies have been systematically discriminating against non-Muslims. Christians often face administrative opposition when trying to run a business or apply for a loan, for example. During the Covid-19 pandemic churches were not allowed to operate, unlike mosques which remained open, according to our partner.
In 2020 Release International highlighted the case of Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted in a military-style operation in February 2017. CCTV cameras captured the moment when Koh’s car was forced off a highway by three black SUVs. Some 15 men are believed to have been involved in the abduction. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia subsequently concluded that these men were working for the Special Branch of the Royal Malaysia Police. Koh has not been seen since, and his whereabouts are unknown.
Release International work
Release International partners in Malaysia are involved in discipling and gospel sharing, through medical camps and various social enterprises (Operation Joel). Among those they minister to are Christians who have fled oppression, or the threat of violence, in other countries. The work seeks both to disciple new believers and also to help Christian refugees establish their independence.
