Decision on ‘Jom Ziarah Gereja’ up to individual states, says minister

JOHOR BARU – The decision on whether to implement the “Jom Ziarah Gereja” (Let’s Visit Churches) programme lies with the respective state governments, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

Thus, any decision made by state governments on this matter will be respected, Naim said.

“Given there are differences of opinions on this issue, I will respect the decisions at state levels.

“This is why some states are prohibiting it while others are allowing the programme,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur National Icon Townhall today.

The minister’s statements come after heavy criticism towards the Jom Ziarah Gereja programme organised by Impact Malaysia.

Critics have been playing up the issue and accusing the organiser, Impact Malaysia, an agency affiliated with the Youth and Sports Ministry, of proselytising Christianity to Muslim youth.

Impact Malaysia has since denied that it was running a “Christian evangelist” programme.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had previously clarified in Parliament that the initiative did not have Muslim participants.

Nevertheless, Bersatu’s Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, proceeded to file a police report against Yeoh, accusing her of proselytising Christianity to Muslims.

Given the uproar over the matter, a church visit scheduled under the programme today has been called off. – The Vibes, March 18, 2023