Tolerance, respect needed in handling religious issues- SUHAKAM

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) views seriously the action by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and the police in raiding the premises of the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) on January 2nd.

This including the manner in which the raid was reportedly conducted as well as the arrest of BSM’s president Lee Min Choon, and manager Sinclair Wong.

SUHAKAM Vice Chairman, Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee calls on the authorities to respect and ensure the right of all citizens to the freedom of religion.

“As guaranteed under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Suhakam urge authorities to respect the right of all citizens to the freedom of religion including the right of all communities to freely profess and practise their religions” he said in a press statement.

Recognizing Malaysia as a culturally and religiously diverse country, the commission also sees the important need for Malaysians at all levels of society to demonstrate a greater degree of religious tolerance and respect in handling religious and cultural issues.