This post introduces Christianity in Malaysia. The writer is a member of International Bible Fellowship (IBF) church.
My husband and I come from Malaysia, but we have also lived in Japan and the U.S.
In terms of race and religion, Japan’s population is quite homogeneous. Like the U.S., Malaysia is diverse, but in my country the lines of race and religion are even more distinct.
Multi-cultural, multi-religious country
In Malaysia, race and religion are sensitive topics, to the extent that we were discouraged from discussing them as speech topics in school.
Though Malaysians live in relative harmony, there is an undercurrent of tension regarding race and religion. The two are closely intertwined, with race somewhat “defining” what a person’s religion is or should be.
Here are the country’s biggest religions (and the largest ethnic group for each religion):
60% Islam (Malay), 20% Buddhism (Chinese), 9% Christianity (indigenous peoples of East Malaysia), and 6% Hinduism (Indian).
Islam is the official religion. Followers of other religions are given freedom of worship, but it is against the law to share your faith with a Muslim. Also, Muslims may not renounce Islam. Otherwise, severe legal and community action can be taken against you.
While Christians are thankful for freedom of worship, they are concerned about the growth of conservative Islam in Malaysia. Some conservative Muslims call for the state-wide use of Sharia law (Islamic law). Recently, one of Malaysia’s 13 states introduced public caning as a penalty for breaking Sharia law.
Occasionally, other controversial issues of national importance arise over religion. In recent years, three famous court cases arose. One case was about whether the word “Allah” could be used in the Malay translation of “God.” Another case was about a Muslim apostate’s desire to change the religion in her national identity card. Yet another case was about parental consent in the religious conversion of children.
It is a beautiful thing to see different religions and races co-existing, but there are also challenges that naturally arise in such a society.
Churches in Malaysia
Just as there is a diversity of religions in Malaysia, each religion has a diversity of practices.
Christianity in Malaysia is 40% Catholic and 35% Protestant.
My husband and I come from Protestant churches. Mine is non-denominational, formerly of EFC roots (Evangelical Free Church). It was an interesting cultural experience for me to visit my husband’s Brethren church.
In terms of practices, our two churches have much in common. For instance, both churches use a rotation of speakers who come from both inside and outside the church.
However, the Brethren church has no pastor. Rather, a group of leaders are in charge of spiritual leadership and administration. Also, there is “open worship.” That is, during worship services, members may step up to the microphone to request songs, read Scripture, or encourage members with short reflections. Another notable characteristic is that women are not allowed to preach in the Brethren church.
Returning to the topic of race and religion: The racial composition of Christians in West Malaysia is largely Chinese.
However, looking at the country as a whole, here is the racial composition of Christians in Malaysia: 60% indigenous peoples from East Malaysia (due to British influence from 18th century onwards); 27% Chinese; 4% Indians; 10% other ethnicities or nationalities.
You may have noticed that Malays, the largest ethnic group, are not in the list above. It’s easy to imagine a growing divide between the Malay-Muslims and other cultural groups in Malaysia. So we pray that unity, understanding, and peace may prevail.
Pray for love between neighbors
There is still more we can do to understand and accept people who are different from us.
May Christians in Malaysia love their neighbors rather than fear them. May Christ be shared through neighborly actions in daily life.
Also, may freedom of worship, peace, and respect prevail in the country.