BriefingAsia-Pacific

Religious, Ethnic Tensions Threaten to Blow the Lid Off Malaysia’s Melting Pot

Religious, Ethnic Tensions Threaten to Blow the Lid Off Malaysia’s Melting Pot

DENPASAR, Indonesia -- Often praised as a model pluralistic society, Malaysia is showing signs of increased religious tension, and many wonder whether Kuala Lumpur's reluctance to protect non-Muslims' rights could lead to serious problems.

Non-Muslims make up roughly 40 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people, and among them follow Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Their rights are protected by a civil legal system that runs parallel to the Islamic courts, governed by Sharia. The latter system regulates religious, civil, family, marriage and personal rights for the country's Muslims.

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