'Anti-Christianisation seminars may influence young Muslims'
The Education Ministry and the police have been urged to stop promoting and participating in activities that put down other religions, following the anti-Christianisation seminar held at Universiti Technology Mara (UiTM) Malacca.
The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) expressed concern today over the effect such activities will have on young Muslims.
"If such activities are continued, the churches fear that it may unwittingly promote a climate of radicalisation of young Muslims who grow up on a diet of unfounded prejudice against other religious communities," CCM general-secretary Rev Hermen Shastri said in a statement today.
He pointed out that in the picture of the slide from the seminar circulated on social media, the slide contained the logo of the Royal Malaysian Police Force.
This shows that the seminar has the sanction of the authorities, he said.
"Amidst the challenge of religious polarisation rampant in the country, it is sad that such activities continue with official sanction and support," he said.
Authorities should promote activities that foster inter-religious harmony instead, he said, especially in a multi-religious country like Malaysia.
"Too often seminars like the present that run counter to religious harmony are being held at educational facilities with the young impressionable audience.
"It is beyond comprehension how such programmes are allowed to go unchecked with any official disapproval from the Education Ministry or the Higher Education authorities," he said.
He vowed that the churches will continue to protest the various ways in which the Christian community in the country is being disrespected.
Last Saturday, a seminar titled 'Ancaman Gerakan Pemurtadan Kristianisasi' (Threat of Christian Proselytisation Movement) was held at the Lendu, Malacca campus of UiTM.
Malacca police also confirmed that a Special Branch officer gave the talk, but said it was to strengthen the faith of Muslims, a sentiment echoed by UiTM Malacca.
A participant told Malaysiakini the students were told that Christians use the " gold, glory, gospel " approach to proselytise Muslims.
UiTM Shah Alam was also condemned last year for holding a seminar where participants were told that undercover Christian preachers are sent to Malaysia to convert Muslims.
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