1/16/2025 Malaysia (International Christian Concern) — Recent reports have surfaced alleging that the Malaysian government, in collaboration with the Islamic institution JAKIM, is employing tactics to pressure non-Muslim students into converting to Islam during university orientation programs.
These allegations raise serious concerns about religious freedom, coercion, and the rights of individuals to make informed decisions about their faith.
According to multiple sources, non-Muslim students are being subjected to a variety of tactics designed to induce conversion. These include:
- Religious indoctrination: Students are exposed to intense religious teachings and propaganda that promote the virtues of Islam and the drawbacks of other faiths.
- Social pressure: Students are also made to feel isolated or excluded if they do not express interest in conversion. They are offered social or academic benefits in exchange for converting.
- Threats or intimidation: In some cases, students are threatened with negative consequences, such as academic repercussions or social ostracism, if they refuse to convert.
One of the most concerning aspects of these allegations is the requirement that converted students keep their new faith a secret from their families. This practice is illegal in Malaysia, as forced conversions without parental consent are prohibited. By concealing their conversion, students unknowingly deny their families the opportunity to provide support, guidance or even object to the decision.
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