Open Letter to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim

For the BM version, click here.

YAB Dato’ Seri,

I write this letter with a mixture of disappointment, concern, and lingering hope. After years of standing together in the struggle to defeat what once felt like an insurmountable “beast” in the form of Barisan Nasional, I believed that the task was complete and that I could finally step back in peace. Yet today, it seems another “beast” is emerging, stirring once again a sense of urgency within me. The quiet retreat I had anticipated has instead given way to renewed resolve—my activism begins anew.

Under the Federal Constitution, non-Muslims are guaranteed the freedom to practise their religions in the manner of their choosing. In a diverse and plural society such as ours, mutual respect is not merely desirable—it is essential to our continued progress, in line with the Rukun Negara and its principle of Belief in God.

However, over the past four decades, the non-Muslim community has continued to face significant challenges in securing land for religious purposes. While housing developments may nominally allocate land for both Muslim and non-Muslim communities, the conditions imposed have often made it exceedingly difficult for churches and other houses of worship to obtain approval.

As a result, many smaller churches have been compelled to operate in commercial premises, bearing the burden of high rental costs and utility charges at commercial rates. While we are grateful for the Madani government’s annual allocation of RM50 million for RIBI, it is disheartening that proposals to extend assistance to non-Muslim houses of worship facing such financial burdens have yet to receive favourable consideration.

More concerning still are the recent guidelines introduced by the Selangor state government, which risk further marginalising non-Muslim communities. Many of us have endured hardships in the past—including moments of great personal risk—to stand for justice, equality, and good governance. The Reformasi movement itself was sustained by ordinary citizens who dared to challenge corruption, wastage, and discrimination.

Today, however, we find ourselves once again at a crossroads. Under the leadership of Menteri Besar Amiruddin Shaari, these developments may compel many, including myself, to return to activism in order to defend the very principles that were once promised to us. Many among us are not politically aligned; our support has always been grounded in trust and principle. Should any coalition convincingly uphold justice and equality, public allegiance could shift. Yet, after decades under Barisan Nasional, we chose to place our trust in your leadership—and many of us still hope that this trust is not misplaced.

In this regard, we humbly appeal for your intervention to halt measures that may further sideline non-Muslim communities. The freedom to worship should not come with disproportionate burdens, particularly when many are already paying high commercial rates simply to maintain a place of worship.

Allow me to highlight several concerns regarding the current guidelines:

1. Malaysia is home to diverse non-Muslim faiths, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism. Allocating only a single plot of land to serve all these communities inevitably creates competition, leaving many without access to suitable and convenient locations.

2. Traffic congestion is a common issue in any area with high public activity—be it shopping centres, stadiums, or places of worship. On Fridays, for instance, roadside parking near mosques is widely understood and accepted. As fellow Malaysians, we accommodate one another with patience and respect.

3. Having already been pushed out of residential areas, non-Muslim houses of worship now rely heavily on commercial premises. Restricting the use of such spaces for religious purposes would only deepen the inequity faced by these communities.

4. At a time when unity and public confidence are critical—especially in urban states like Selangor—policies that heighten stress and alienation among communities risk undermining the very foundation of inclusiveness. Efforts should instead be directed toward building bridges, not erecting new barriers.

YAB Dato’ Seri,

The Christian community, like many others, places great value on hard work, integrity, and faith. Despite limited resources, we continue to contribute generously so that our families may have a place to worship with dignity.

Our appeal is simple: that the ideals of justice, fairness, and inclusiveness that once inspired so many Malaysians are upheld not only in words, but through meaningful and equitable policies.

Thank you.