Malaysia: Christian Government Minister Sues Muslim Police Official For Defamation

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A Christian government minister in Malaysia is suing a top police official who accused her of evangelizing Malay Muslims in order to turn the country into a Christian nation, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.

Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has filed suit against Tan Sri Musa Hassan, former inspector general of police, for making defamatory and inflammatory public statements against her.

An author as well as a government minister, Yeoh has published a book called “Becoming Hannah, A Personal Journey,” in which she writes about her Christian faith and her career in politics, ICC reports.

According to the lawsuit filed by Yeoh against Hassan, the former inspector general gave a speech in 2020 during which he falsely claimed her book was published with the intent to convert Malay Muslims to Christianity, ICC reports. The suit claims Hassan was trying to hurt Yeoh politically with his statements.

In a website statement about the kind of pressure facing Christians in Malaysia, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization reports: “Every ethnic Malay is assumed to be Muslim, as defined by the Malaysian constitution. This means that any ethnic Malay who converts from Christianity is at risk of breaking the law and being punished under Shariah law. These converts can also face incredible pressure from their families and the broader community.” The trial against Hassan continues.

Ruled by an Islamic government, Muslim-majority Malaysia ranks 49 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

Latest Worthy News