Political Instability Fuels Decline for Religious Freedom in Malaysia

Malaysia has experienced unprecedented political instability in recent years. During this time, Malaysian authorities from various political parties in several states and the federal government have continued to pursue policies to further restrict religious freedom. Furthermore, while Malaysia’s dual justice system supposedly places the civil court above Shari’a law, it also devolves the ability to develop religious laws to each state and the Federal Territories. These laws are obligatory for Muslims, which results in legal restrictions to their religious practices.USCIRF Policy Analyst Patrick Greenwalt joins us today to elaborate on how the freedom of religion or belief is being threatened in Malaysia, and ways that the U.S. government can help improve religious freedom conditions there. Read USCIRF’s newest Country Update on Malaysia