East to West

Malaysia got East and West. The two distinct parts are East Malaysia consisting of the territories of Sarawak and Sabah on the northern third of the island of Borneo, and the Peninsular Malaysia on the Kra peninsula of mainland Asia.

It's geographical area is 330,434 sq. km and it is well-watered, tropical rain forest.

The Malay population is increasing at the expense of the Chinese and Indian population. They've also have the most oldest indigenous people called, "bumiputera" meaning "sons" or "princes of the soil."

In the 1980's, limitation on religious freedom were introduced, and Islam became the official and favoured religion in Peninsula Malaysia though Islam in Malaysia is less extreme than in the Middle East. In 1999, the government relaxed some restrictions, like, places of worship, the issue of missionary visas, and public meetings. The government also made it illegal to convert Muslims, but Muslims are to induce animistic tribal people and Chinese to become Muslim.

Federation of Malaya got their independence from Britain in 1957. Politically powerful Malays extended their influence over the non-Malay half of the population in educational, economic and religious life. The growing power of Muslim political parties separated the country with ethnic and religious tensions.

The Malays now are socially and legally isolated from the Truth. It is illegal to witness to a Muslim. Let's pray that God may prepare courageous Christian leaders to reason with or confront the authorities in their inconsistencies and injustices in the treatment of non-Muslims. Let's also pray that religious freedom will be upheld and that Christians may not be intimidated by threats but rather be bold to stand for their constitutional and heavenly right to proclaim the Gospel.