Catholics in Malaysia today celebrated the appointment of the country's first cardinal in a ceremony at the St John's Cathedral in Kuala Lumpur.

Amid a climate of perceived growing Islamisation and racial polarisation members of the church hoped cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez would help foster better unity among Malaysians.

"I hope he can strengthen the spirit in Malaysia so that all races can come together," Caroline Tan told Malaysiakini when met after the special Sunday mass.

Patrick Anthony and Joanna Lenta both echoed this.

They also hoped that the cardinal would help stand up for the rights of Christians and other minorities.

"I hope he can stand up for the East Malaysians, the minorities and foreigners who live here," Joanna said.

Patrick added that the church is always looking after members of the community, and said Fernandez should encourage this spirit.

There have been friction within Malaysia's multireligious multiethnic society as the government and Islamic authorities seek to strengthen its grip on interpretation and practice of the country's official religion.

Among the polarising issues is proposed amendments to the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act, which critics say would lead to the implementation of hudud.

However, the amendments to the Act sought by PAS and Umno will cap penalties meted out by syariah crimes to to 30 years’ jail, RM100,000 fine and 100 strokes of the whip. This means there will not be imeplementation of hudud penalties.

At present, Syariah Courts can mete out a maximum three years' jail, RM5,000 fine and six strokes of the whip.

The celebratory mass today was attended by Malaysians and foreigners alike.

Service was conducted in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Tamil, and Mandarin.

Fernandez was made cardinal by Pope Francis in a ceremony at the Vatican last November.

Addressing the congregation, he said he was impressed by how humble the pope was, noting that his letter of appointment was simply signed "Francis".

The Vatican's nuncio (ambassador) to Malaysia, Joseph Salvador Marino said Francis' appointment of Fernandez was an uplifting moment for all Malaysians.

"The holy father (Francis) is very much aware of the deep sense of faith in Malaysia, not only among Christians but among all those who believe in God and the spiritual.

"He is also aware that many people are working hard to foster mutual respect in this country," Marino said.