Key Facts Head of State: Yang di-Pertuan Agong (referred to as the King of Malaysia) Population: 27,730,000 (9.1% Christian) Majority Religion: Islam Type of Government: Federal

The Church in Malaysia*

Sunni Islam is the official and favored religion in Peninsular Malaysia, and there is continual pressure to apply the same in East Malaysia, where Islam is a minority. In the 1980's, limitations on religious freedom were introduced. In 1999 the government relaxed some restrictions, such as on places of worship, the issue of missionary visas, public meetings and publications. It is illegal to proselytize Muslims, but considerable effort is expended to induce animistic tribal people and Chinese to become Muslim.

Sources of Oppression and Persecution*

1. Muslims have been politically and socially divided because of the clamorous Islamist minority which has pressed for radical Islamic reforms and imposition of shari'a law. Severe penalties for infringements by Muslims or for their apostasy have been the privilege of receiving the gospel. Pray both for:

a) The Malays, now socially and legally isolated from the Truth. It is illegal to witness to a Muslim.

b) The rejection of proposed national legislation to impose an apostasy law so that everyone, including Malays, may have opportunity to hear the gospel.

2. Islamization has brought concern to those of other faiths who comprise nearly half the population. Any attempt to impose Islamization may threaten religious freedom. Pray that Christians may respond and act constructively and their faith be strengthened at this time. Pray also for:

a) The constitutional provision of religious freedom to be upheld and that Christians may not be intimidated by threats but rather be bold to stand for their constitutional rights and for their heavenly right to proclaim the gospel.

b) Unity among Christians in the midst of Islamic resurgence. The Christian Federation brings together Evangelicals and Protestants, Catholic and mainline denominations for representation to the government. The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) Malaysia is a more closely knit body to unite traditional Evangelicals, Pentecostals and Charismatics for nation-wide outreach, spiritual conferences and advocacy of missions vision.

c) Courageous Christian leaders who are prepared, at considerable personal risk, to reason with or confront the authorities over manifest inconsistencies and injustices in the treatment of former and non-Muslims.

(*Information taken from Operation World, 21st Century Edition)