An Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) activist has taken to task those who claim that there is no religious freedom in Malaysia.

"Those who say non-Muslims are discriminated in Malaysia, are either fooled by the media, or is a cybertrooper who only knows the online world or ignorant or just really hates Muslims," said an Isma activist.

In an article published on IsmaWeb, Abu Maryam quoted news reports from various portals, including a Malaysiakini article, in which former British high commissioner Simon Featherstone ( left ) expressed concern over religious freedom in Malaysia.

"These liberal-cum-so-called-alternative media is fooling people by saying there is no religious freedom in Malaysia,” he added.

Using the pseudonym Abu Maryam, the activist noted that Christians make up 9.2 percent of the population in Malaysia, based on the 2010 census.

"I don’t know how many different denominations, but in Malaysia there are Protestants, Anglicans, Baptists, Brethren, non-denominational churches, independent charismatic churches, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics.

"There are 448 Christian mission schools in Malaysia. All are government-aided. Churches in Malaysia are free from threats and disruption of worship. Inter-denominational associations are free to be formed to promote unity within faith, such as the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia (NECF) 1983 and Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) 1986.

"I don’t know how many churches there are in Malaysia. But obviously, there are lots of them, for every denomination.

"Even the biggest church in South East Asia, the controversial Pentecostal church Calvary Church is built here in Malaysia - cost: RM200 million, 600,000 square feet. Built even in the midst of religious tension," he added.

As for the Buddhists, Abu Maryam said the figure is at 19.8 percent, with the majority being Chinese Malaysians.

"According to Information Malaysia 2005, there are over 3,500 Buddhist temples, societies and organisations in this country. In recognition of the Malaysian Buddhist community, Wesak Day was officially declared a public holiday in 1962.

"In Malaysia, we have one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia, namely Kok Lok Si Temple. Built over a century ago, and not demolished.

"Several world Buddhist conferences and other international congregations were allowed to be held in this country. Last year’s conference with Master Lu was held at the Prince Hotel & Residence right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur," he added.

Abu Maryam said these freedoms are allowed in Malaysia as long as the rights of the majority 61.3 percent Muslim population and the position of Islam as the religion of the federation are respected.

"When the boundaries are crossed, and the respect is lost, don’t be surprised to see Muslims react aggressively," he warned.

"Respect Islam, as the Muslims have already respected others."