Impact M'sia denies running 'Christian evangelist' programme

Impact Malaysia, an agency under the Youth and Sports Ministry, has refuted allegations that it was running a "Christian evangelist" programme.

This came after Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin made the claim on social media over a programme called "Projek Artikel 11".

In a statement, Impact Malaysia vice president for strategy and development Mastura M Rashid said Badrul’s allegation was untrue.

She pointed out that "Projek Artikel 11" was part of Impact Malaysia's #MalaysiaInklusif initiative designed to increase awareness on the country’s diverse society.

Mastura explained that “Project Artikel 11” involved visiting houses of worship under the "Jom Ziarah" programme and a voluntarism programme involving welfare organisations run by religious groups.

So far, "Jom Ziarah" has brought eight Chinese and Indian youths to the Federal Territory Mosque on March 4 and three Chinese youths to the Gurdwara Sahib in Shah Alam on March 11.

The two upcoming programmes are "Jom Ziarah Gereja" and "Jom Ziarah Kuil Hindu" on March 18 and 19 respectively.

"(These activities are designed) to allow youths to understand that all religions share some common values and organise welfare activities," Mastura said.

She urged those who wish to learn more about these activities to visit Impact Malaysia's website or follow the group's social media accounts.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said her officer has lodged a police report against Badrul for slandering her and her ministry.

"(He is) giving the impression that the ministry is now a Christian evangelist after I was made minister," Yeoh tweeted.

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