Malaysia

| ASIA

In Malaysia, the "journey of the Cross" has begun, set to end next year at the Pastoral Convention. In Negombo, young people and children put on a play centred on the Lamentations with local traditions and customs. Tens of thousands take part in a pilgrimage in Zamboanga to remember the sufferings of Jesus. In Labuan Bajo, the bishop brought the Way of the Cross among inmates.

by Joseph Masilamany

At the centre of the controversy is a pre-independence building dedicated to the deity Dewi Sri Pathra Kaliamma Amma that is more than 130 years old. A mosque will be built in its place, while the temple will be ‘transferred’ to a yet unknown location. The prime minister calls for calm and denies the government's involvement in the decision.

| 24/03/2025
| MALAYSIA
by Joseph Masilamany

Hostile and derogatory comments inflame the climate in the country during the holy month of Ramadan (and during Lent). For the police, these are events that threaten ‘national security, economic stability and racial harmony’. The characteristic rituals of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and the Kavadi Attam dance are in the crosshairs.

| 14/03/2025
| MALAYSIA
by Joseph Masilamany

Wanted in India for money laundering, he now can preach in public after a ban imposed five years ago for making incendiary sermons. Malaysian political leaders and human rights activists urge the government to reconsider the decision. His attacks against the believers of other religions risk undermining harmony and coexistence.

| 25/02/2025
| MALAYSIA – INDIA

Developed by entrepreneur Dylan Tan, the Sohai system automatically responds to messages that arrive as phishing attempts with meaningless conversations, preventing criminals from acting. In 2023, Malaysia recorded losses of 98 million dollars just for scams on Facebook. Over a thousand people are already involved, while interest from the authorities is growing.

| 22/02/2025
| MALAYSIA
by Joseph Masilamany

Pannir Selvam Pranthaman is scheduled to hang on 20 February after 11 years in Singapore’s notorious Changi Prison. His family hopes for a stay of execution, urging friends and relatives to pray for a miracle. But the only way to stop the execution is for the Malaysian government to go before the International Court of Justice.

| 18/02/2025
| MALAYSIA - SINGAPORE
by Joseph Masilamany

Southeast Asia expert  Bridget Welsh analyses Kuala Lumpur's first steps at the helm of the bloc: the leadership will be successful if it puts ‘the interests of those who live in the region above those of its leaders’. ‘Calling for “inclusive elections” in Myanmar contradicts the real situation on the ground’.

| 17/02/2025
| MALAYSIA
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”