A Gerakan Youth leader has reminded churches that joined the call to attend Bersih 5 last week not to mix religion with politics.

He noted several churches held services before the rally with believers dressed in a particular colour.

"A archbishop (sic) who joined the rally also encouraged his followers to do the same," said Gerakan Deputy Youth chief Andy Yong in statement.

"The archbishop (sic) is, of course, free to make a decision if it involves church matters, but to use the sacraments to encourage support or affiliation to certain political agendas is not appropriate.

"He should consider whether he risks fuelling the anger sentiment towards others with different faith and political support.

"He must consider the consequences of his actions," Yong said.

There was no statement from the archbishop, but some bishops have spoken up in support of Bersih. 

Yong said religious persons should not be excluded, but "sensitivity" should be considered.

"We cannot use religious tenets as a justification for our support in government or politics.

"History has provided ample proof that when religion is mixed with government or political affairs, it will cause serious problems and lead to violence," Yong said.

No to religious supremacy

He said politicians should not declare that their religion is "superior to others, or that their religion is more authentic, or that their opponents’ faith is less sincere or significant".

He added: "There should be, no hierarchy of faith for political purposes in Malaysia. Rhetoric such as that used by PAS to pressure Muslims to support hudud has no place in our civic multi-religious life.

"The separation of religion and political ideologies or government support is essential in our civil liberties. Politics and religion must not mix."

Despite threats by anti-Bersih forces over the past weeks, the Bersih 5 rally saw at least 40,000 people march through the streets of Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, demanding electoral and democratic reforms.

The rally concluded peacefully.