This week our focus is on Malaysia. Malaysia has two main geographical parts. The first half is located just south of Thailand. The second half is located on the island of Borneo and is separated by the South China Sea. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lampur. The official language of Malaysia is Malay. Other languages spoken in Malaysia are English, Chinese and Tamil as well as a variety of other dialects and tribal languages. The various people groups are as follows: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others 7.8% (2004 est.) (CIA Factbook). Malaysia is a multi-religious society and Islam (60.4%) is the official religion. The other religions are Buddhist (19.2%), Christian (9.1%), Hindu (6.3%), Confucisim, Taoism and other Chinese religions (2.6%). (CIA Factbook)
Although the Malaysian constitution guarantees religious freedom, in practice the situation is restricted. If you are a Muslim, it is illegal to convert to another religion. If you are another religion you may convert to another religion (i.e. Buddhist to Christianity or Hindu to Buddhist). But if you convert to Islam, you may not convert back to your original religion. Also, all non-Muslims who marry a Muslim must convert to Islam. To be considered Malay, you must be Muslim. If you are, you will get economic benefits such as cheaper gas, easier access to jobs and education. The state will help finance the buildings for Mosques but are reluctant to give permission to other religions to build churches or temples and they certainly do not help financially to build them. Muslims follow the decisions of Syariah courts (Sharia law which is law based on the Koran) when it comes to matters concerning their religion which of course, causes problems when there are disputes with non-Muslims who have to also then abide by the Syariah courts. Naturally proslyethizing by other religions towards Muslims is not allowed which includes giving of tracts and Bibles.
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