Malaysian premier to visit Vatican, discuss opening of diplomatic ties

July 04, 2011

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak of Malaysia will visit the Vatican this month, to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and to discuss the possibility of opening formal diplomatic ties.

The Malaysian leader's willingness to discuss ties with the Holy See carries special significance because Christians have seen efforts to curtail their liberties in Malaysia, which is an officially Islamic state. Early this year Christians fought back a bid to require a “warning label” on all Bibles imported to Malaysia; the label would have stipulated that the book was to be read only by Christians. More recently Islamic leaders have complained that the government has offered too many freedoms to Christians.

 

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Further information:

• Malaysia PM to meet pope, plans diplomatic links (AP)
• Malaysia: Islamic leaders question non-Muslims’ rights (CWN, 5/24)