Islamist group Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (ISMA) has accused a church in Seremban of proselytising to Muslims by promoting an Easter pageant in Bahasa Malaysia.
The organization claims the Agape Community Church’s decision to hold its Easter celebration this weekend in Bahasa Malaysia was suspicious, as it was supposedly not the most commonly used language among Chinese and Indians, who are the main races practicing Christianity in Seremban.
The head of ISMA’s Seremban chapter, Zamani Ibrahim said in a “report” on the group’s website that while freedom of religion for non-Muslims was guaranteed by the Federal Consitution, the use of Bahasa Malaysia to promote an event outside the church compound was an abuse of this liberty.
“As one the non-governmental organisations concerned about the construct and faith of Muslims in Malaysia, particularly in Negri Sembilan, we urge the Negri Sembilan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEAINS) to closely monitor this Easter Musical,” Zamani was quoted as saying in the report.
Accompanying the article was a photograph of a bunting announcing a free Easter Musical by the Agape Community Church scheduled for April 18-20. It is unclear if the musical will be conducted in Malay.
All states in Malaysia other than Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and the Federal Territories have enactments that prohibit non-Muslims from using up to 35 Arabic words, but the restriction is specific to proselytisation of Muslims.
Any attempt to promote religions other than Islam to Muslims is illegal in the country, despite the constitutional article guaranteeing religious freedom.
Although allegations against Christians for proselyting to Muslims are frequent, it is unclear if any group or individual has been prosecuted for such.
Story: The Malay Mail
