The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has placed Malaysia on Tier 2, a watch list with countries like Afghanistan, Cuba, Indonesia, Laos, Russia and Turkey, for its limitation on freedom of religion. It is only one level down from Tier 1 listing countries of particular concern, like Myanmar, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Sudan. It has tarnished the country's image labelling itself with religious harmony, a country advocating moderation and multi-religions. Meanwhile, the country's press freedom index has also plunged to a historic low of 147 out of 180 countries in the 2014 World Press Freedom Index. It has too, harmed the country's image.

Although Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, it is stated in the Federal Constitution that Malaysia is a secular country and different religions have existed harmoniously over the more than half a century in mutual tolerance and respect. However, some events involving religions in recent years, including banning non-Muslims from using the word "Allah", conversion controversy, the contradictory rulings between Islamic and civil courts over conversion, seizure of Malay-language Bibles, banning non-Islam religious books in a Pahang hotel and the recent clamour over the implementation of hudud, have actually damaged the country's image as a moderate, multi-religious country.

Religious problems in Malaysia is getting worse and the key lies on politicians' move of politicising the issues. They have not only undermined religious harmony but at the same time, damaged national unity. The arrests of a dozen of suspects allegedly linked to terrorism in recent days showed that religious extremists have been hiding in the country and it should be a result of negligence towards religious extremism. In a multiracial and multi-religious country, religion is a sensitive issue. If the people are not able to mutually respect each other's religion with an open mind , it will bring a great danger to the country.

Meanwhile, it is a shame for Malaysia to have fallen to a historical low in the latest World Press Freedom Index and even behind Myanmar, which was ranked 145. Myanmar was known for its military coercion and poor freedom of the press due to suppression. It had always been ranked among the bottom places by the Reporters Without Border (RSF). However, it started to reform three years ago and its press freedom index has greatly improved. Malaysia was also ranked behind other Southeast Asia countries, including Brunei (117), Thailand (130), Indonesia (130) and Cambodia (132), showing that when others are moving forward, we have not only been stagnant, but in fact, are moving backward. The continuously plunging rankings are difficult for the government to justify.

The deteriorating freedom of religion and the press is the consequence of our backsliding policies, while politicising religious issues has not only damaged national unity, but also affected the country's economic development. Our officials might keep ignoring the USCIRF's report but the US government assesses Malaysia's religions freedom and the bilateral relations based on it. It is also used as a reference for making investment in the country. In addition, the restrictions on freedom of the media mean that the media are still not able to fully play the role of overseeing the government. It is indeed an irony to the government's transformation plans or efforts promoting social reform. In short, as long as the freedom of religion and the press continuous to be restricted, the dream of turning Malaysia into an advance country will forever remain a mirage.

-Mysinchew

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THE BUCK STOPS WITH NAJIB: Freedom of religion and the press