Malaysians lose churches, fear losing freedom

KAMPUNG JIAS, Malaysia — Recent demolitions of non-Muslim worship centers have raised fears that hard-line Islam is gaining control in Malaysia, despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. “Why did the government tear down our church when they say we are free to choose our religion?” asked Sazali Pengsang, a pastor in northeastern Kelantan state, after his congregation’s brick building was leveled by local authorities.
Officials in Kampung Jias said the building was constructed without proper approval, but church members said Malaysian law requires no approval to build on land they own. Kelantan is controlled by a hard-line political party, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, which wants to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia law.

Malaysian Christian leaders are concerned that Muslims are being granted more liberties and religious minorities are experiencing greater restriction. Huge mosques reportedly are being built in areas with few Muslim residents, and state television routinely broadcasts Islamic programs but forbids other religious programming. Muslims make up approximately 60 percent of Malaysia’s 26 million people.