Religious freedom conditions in Malaysia are trending negatively. Conditions for minority faith believers as well as for majority Sunni Muslims have stagnated or, in some cases, have worsened. Members of the Sunni majority must adhere to a strict, state-approved interpretation of Islam, which leaves little freedom to practice according to their conscience. Non-Muslim communities, such as Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus, also report feeling increasing strain and social hostility.

Source: People photograph lanterns at a temple decorated to celebrate Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, REUTERS / Harris

RELIGIOUS PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE

Raymond Koh

Pastor Raymond Koh (Pastor Koh), is a Christian pastor from Malaysia. Prior to his abduction, he ran an NGO focused on people living with HIV/AIDs, recovering addicts, and single mothers and children. Local Islamic authorities once… Read More >

Recent News

All
Press Releases
Op-Eds
Speeches
Spotlight

USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy

USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern

USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World

USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium

USCIRF Releases Report on The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia

View All News

USCIRF Releases 2024 Annual Report with New Recommendations for U.S. Policy

USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern

USCIRF Releases Report on National Level Anti-Conversion Laws around the World

USCIRF Releases Updated Blasphemy Factsheet and Blasphemy Law Compendium

USCIRF Releases Report on The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia

View Press Releases

The Hill: A glimmer of hope in bringing accountability to religious freedom violators abroad

The Diplomat: Malaysia’s Unwelcoming Shore for Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution

View Op-Eds
Sorry, no results found.
View Speeches

The Legacy of Blasphemy Laws in Southeast Asia

The Impact of Malaysia’s Dual Legal System on Religious Freedom

Political Instability Fuels Decline for Religious Freedom in Malaysia

Ahmadiyya Muslims Face Persecution, Discrimination, and Hostility

View Spotlight

Publications

Annual Report
Reports, Briefs, and Factsheets

2024 Annual Report

2023 Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

2021 Annual Report

View Annual Report Chapters & Translations

Anti-Conversion Laws Compendium

November 28, 2023

25th Anniversary of the International Religious Freedom Act

October 16, 2023

The Bureaucratization of Religion in Southeast Asia

September 07, 2023

Blasphemy and Related Laws in ASEAN Member Countries

October 19, 2022

View Reports, Briefs, and Factsheets

Congressional Testimony

Congressional Testimony
Government Correspondence

Testimony of Vice Chair Maenza on Global Persecution of Christians

July 09, 2019

View Congressional Testimony
Sorry, no results found.
View Government Correspondence