PKR MP: I read Yeoh's book, I'm still Buddhist

Summary

• PKR MP Sim Tze Tzin defends Hannah Yeoh’s book “Becoming Hannah” amid accusations from PAS that it promotes Christian proselytisation.

• Sim, a Buddhist, says he had read the book and remains a Buddhist, highlighting that Yeoh never tried to convert him or preach Christianity to him.

• Sim emphasises the importance of mutual respect across religious communities in Malaysia.

Amid allegations from PAS that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s book “Becoming Hannah” contains elements of Christian proselytisation, PKR’s Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin has come forward to defend her.  

Sim said in a Facebook post that he had read Yeoh’s book and remains a Buddhist.  

“Recently, Yeoh was attacked by bigots because of her book. They accuse her of using it to convert people to Christianity. Seriously?” he said.  

“A few years ago, Yeoh gave me her book. I read it. I am still the Buddhist that I am.”

Sim, who has been friends with Yeoh for 15 years, stated that not once had she tried to preach Christianity or invite him to her church.

“She is a devout Christian. She carries out her work and duties with honesty and walks the path of a good Christian. She keeps her faith to herself.”

He added, “Many good Muslims I know are sincere, honest, and walk the path of good Muslims. Yeoh is just like them.”

‘Have faith in your faith’

Sim highlighted the shared values across religious communities in Malaysia, emphasising that good Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus contribute to the strong moral foundation of the nation.

“I like Christmas songs; I play them over and over. I wish my friends ‘Merry Christmas’. I am still the Buddhist that I am.  

“My Muslim friends are strong, faithful people. They believe in their religion just like Yeoh and me. So, have faith in your faith,” he said.

He also called on those spreading divisive narratives to stop exploiting politics to sow disunity.

“The rakyat can see through your fake and ugly motives,” he added.  

PAS’ accusations

PAS’ and Bersatu’s Youth wings are organising a rally in Kuala Lumpur in response to what they claim are threats to Islam posed by DAP leaders, including Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Yeoh.  

The Islamist recently took issue with a Christmas carol performance at the Housing and Local Government Ministry in Putrajaya, where ministry staff sang songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.

Nga defended the event, describing it as a reflection of mutual respect and harmony among ministry staff. He advised PAS leaders to “repent and stop sharing slander or disrupting the harmony of a multiracial society.”

Regarding Yeoh’s book, at least seven police reports have been lodged against her as of last Saturday,

This is due to translated excerpts from her autobiography, in which she speaks about how her Christian faith became an issue again on social media.

Critics focused on her description of herself as an “ambassador of God”, interpreting it as an attempt at evangelising.

Previously, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Yeoh’s defamation suit against former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan, who had alleged she was trying to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation.

Yeoh has since lodged a police report and filed an appeal in the case.

COMMENT | Non-Muslims liable if Muslims join their religious events?

'Manipulating religion': PAS plan to rally against Nga, Yeoh slammed

DAP, MCA slam Hadi on 'secularism bigger sin than defamation' remarks

'Will PAS ban govt agencies from celebrating non-Muslim festivities?'

69 police reports lodged over Nga's Christmas party, says PAS Youth

Christmas clamour: Nga statement misleading - Pahang PAS