By Daniel John Jambun, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the remarks by PAS Youth Dakwah and Islamic Defence Committee Chairperson Sukri Omar defending religious propagation activities and responding to concerns surrounding the use of incentives in such efforts.
BoPiMaFo respects the constitutional right of individuals and organisations to profess and promote their religious beliefs within the limits of the law.
However, we firmly believe that faith must be a matter of genuine personal conviction and free choice, not the product of material inducements or preferential treatment.
HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD ADVANCE KNOWLEDGE, NOT SEEK CONVERSIONS THROUGH INCENTIVES
Institutions of higher learning exist primarily to cultivate knowledge, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, innovation, and intellectual development.
Students enrol in universities to pursue education, develop professional skills, and prepare themselves to contribute meaningfully to society.
Universities should therefore remain environments where students of all backgrounds feel respected and secure in exercising their freedom of conscience.
If incentives or special privileges are offered in connection with religious propagation or conversion activities, there is a risk that vulnerable students may perceive pressure or unequal treatment. Such perceptions are inconsistent with the spirit of academic freedom and the independence of personal belief.
GENUINE FAITH SHOULD NEVER REQUIRE MATERIAL INDUCEMENTS
Religious belief carries its greatest meaning when it is embraced voluntarily after sincere reflection and understanding.
A person’s decision on matters of faith should arise from conviction of the heart and mind, not from financial assistance, institutional advantages, or other incentives.
The credibility of any religious outreach is strengthened when it relies on moral example, dialogue, and persuasion rather than material considerations.
MALAYSIA’S DIVERSITY MUST BE RESPECTED
Malaysia is a diverse nation comprising people of many faiths and cultures. Its constitutional framework requires that this diversity be managed with mutual respect, moderation, and sensitivity.
BoPiMaFo believes that policies and practices in public institutions, particularly universities, should foster inclusion and equal treatment rather than create perceptions of religious preference or pressure.
BOPIMAFO’S POSITION
BoPiMaFo respectfully disagrees with any suggestion that incentives should form part of religious propagation, especially within institutions of higher learning.
We call on all stakeholders to preserve universities as centres of education and intellectual excellence where students are free to make personal decisions about religion without coercion, undue influence, or material inducement.
True faith is strongest when it is chosen freely, and true education flourishes when knowledge, reason, and respect for individual conscience remain at the forefront.
