Churches Advise Malaysians on Polls

Churches have circulated pamphlets ask Christians to vote for candidates whose political views and policies "reflect God's standard and Christian values."

"I would say that the feel of subtle, backdoor Islamization of the national life is a major concern," Wong Kim Kong, Secretary-General of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia (NECF), told Reuters on Monday, March 3.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia, of which NECF is a member, has been circulating pamphlets - in English, Mandarin, Tamil and the national language -calling on voters to examine the platform and records of parties before the vote.

The "Vote wisely, be responsible," pamphlets ask Christians to vote for candidates whose political views and policies "reflect God's standard and Christian values."

"Pay attention to their past performance and for their stand on issues related to constitutional rights, civil liberties and the freedom of religion," the CFM said in its election message.

Last week, the Catholic Church of Saint Francis Xavier near the capital Kuala Lumpur held a rare political debate, drawing some 300 people including opposition and government candidates.

The CFM is also working with its Buddhist and Hindu counterparts, which may distribute similar pamphlets at temples.

Muslim Malays form about 60 percent of Malaysia's 26-million population.

Buddhist constitute 19.2 percent, Christian 9.1, Hindu 6.3 while other traditional Chinese religions make up the test of the population.

The March 8 snap elections will see three opposition parties running against the ruling National Front coalition, which has governed Malaysia in various forms since its 1957 independence.

Candidates are vying for 222 seats in the national assembly and a total 505 seats in twelve state assemblies.

Concerns

The churches' move illustrates a growing concern among religious minorities over the policies of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's ruling coalition.

"It's very difficult to practice our religion freely," Albert Tan, a Catholic property developer, told Reuters after a church service.

"The leaders in Malaysia, the way they interpret Islam is very scary," he said, adding that he was likely to vote for the opposition.

"Racial integration is going from bad to worse."

While Islam is the official state religion, Malaysia is considered one of the world's most relaxed Muslim countries.

It follows a dual justice system where Sharia`h courts administer the personal affairs of Muslims and civil courts serve Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and other religious minorities.

However, with the backing of Muslim politicians, Sharia`h courts have stepped into several high-profile cases involving conversion, marriage, divorce and child custody involving non-Muslims.

Last May, a Christian convert lost a battle in the highest court to have the word "Islam" removed from her identity card.

Some non-Muslims complain it is difficult to obtain approval to build their own places of worship and that state television routinely airs Islamic shows but forbids other religions to be preached.

However, others deny the picture is that gloomy.

"They (the government) don't stop you from praying," Lilian, a 50-year-old churchgoer, told Reuters.

"At the end of the day, the church is within yourself."