Malaysian state defends raid on Christian church

Oct 10, 2011, 9:55 GMT

Kuala Lumpur - Authorities in the central Malaysian state of Selangor on Monday defended a raid on a Methodist church suspected of attempting to convert Muslims at their annual feast.

'We are satisfied that the actions of JAIS (Selangor Islamic Department) were correct and did not breach any laws enforceable in Selangor,' said a statement from the palace of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

In the August raid, around 30 JAIS officers raided the Damansara Utama Methodist Church, took pictures and videos of a feast and questioned the organizers.

The department said it were acting on a tip that the dinner was an effort to convert around 15 Muslims who were present.

The church denied attempts to convert anyone, saying the charity event was to celebrate the work of AIDS and rights activists.

Malaysia's national laws are tolerant of religious diversity, but forbid proselytizing any religion except Islam.

Monday's statement from the sultan's palace defended the raid and resisted calls by Christian groups for an apology.

It said the investigation had found evidence of proselytizing, but not enough to prosecute, so no further action would be taken.

It also commanded the religious department to hold counselling sessions for the 15 Muslims who attended the dinner.

Islam is the official religion in 60-per-cent-Muslim Malaysia, but there are also large minorities of Christians and Buddhists.

Minority religious groups have increasingly complained that their religious freedoms have been threatened under the Muslim-dominated government.