KUALA LUMPUR – Impact Malaysia, the Youth and Sports Ministry agency accused of “evangelising” Muslim youth, has come out to defend the controversial programme.
In a statement, Impact Malaysia said the initiative, named Project Article 11, is aimed at providing exposure for youths to the country’s multi-ethnic cultures and beliefs.
It said the programme is meant to increase inclusivity through visits and volunteer activities in the Klang Valley.
The programme, it said, is part of the ministry’s #MalaysiaInclusive initiative, and forms part of an integrated campaign to increase the understanding of the various cultures and religions within a pluralistic society.
The agency explained that the project consisted of two parts, which are the Jom Ziarah aspect and volunteering activities to assist vulnerable groups.
According to Impact Malaysia, the first visit was held on March 4 where eight participants from the Chinese and Indian community took part in the Jom Ziarah Masjid programme at Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan.
This was followed by the Jom Ziarah Gurdwara programme at the Shah Alam Gurdwara Sahib on March 11, which had three participants from the Chinese community.
“The Jom Ziarah Gereja and Jom Ziarah Kuil Hindu will take place on March 18 and 19 respectively,” the agency said.
Earlier, speaking on the matter, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh schooled Bersatu for allegedly accusing her of proselytising Christianity to Muslim youth through the Article 11 Project.
She explained that the organisation had planned a visit to a mosque and gurdwara on March 4 and 11, where all the participants involved were non-Muslims. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023
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