Christians write to Pope over democratic, religious rights in Malaysia

(July 18, 2011) A group of 365 Catholics and other Christians in Malaysia, have signed a joint letter to Pope Benedict XVI expressing their concern over Prime Minister Najib Razak’s official visit to the Roman Catholic head on Monday in the wake of recent developments in the country, according to Aliran, Malaysia’s reform movement dedicated to justice, freedom and solidarity. Aliran noted the letter highlighted concerns about the lack of democratic rights and religious freedom in Malaysia to enable the Pope to “understand more critically and comprehensively the political and social realities” lest the pontiff is “presented with a one-sided view of developments” in the country. The Christian group expressed concern that foreign governments and leaders who host Najib in his travels might be influenced by his pronouncements which extol the spirit of moderation, whereas in fact his government has used unnecessarily excessive force time and time again.