Active State Religion characteristics classified with criteria by Gary Conwell

Marriage and Divorce

2014-03-04 23:44:08 UTC

In Malaysia there are two types of divorce and marriage for non-Muslims: 1) divorce by mutual consent, i.e. both parties agree to the divorce

2) divorce without mutual consent

Authority of Religion in Government Structures

2014-03-04 23:44:30 UTC

The Malaysian Constitution provides for freedom of religion whereby ' all persons have the right to worship according to their own religion or belief'. The government does not however allow people to not believe in God. Malaysian Law also places restrictions on unrecognised religious groups.

System of Government

2014-03-04 23:47:48 UTC

Malaysia is a Constitutional Monarchy and the King is considered to be the Islamic leader of the state.

Authority of Religion in Government Structures

2014-03-04 23:50:15 UTC

Islam is recognized as the state religion of Malaysia, although the country has a secular constitution. The politics often become entwined with religion and any teachings which deviate from the official Sunni code is illegal and no other forms of Islam are allowed. The conflict between the federal and state governments over religious authority led to a slow pace of reform and development of laws relating to Islam.

Extent of Religious Pluralism in Society

2014-03-04 23:53:06 UTC

The state of religious pluralism in Malaysia is one that is intrinsically connected to the question of ethnicity. The question of respect for each other’s religion subsequently engenders a respect for one’s ethnicity as well. See statistics below, particularly those related to ethnicity.

Migration Policies

2014-03-04 23:54:47 UTC

Migration Policies within these countries are welcoming to foreigners but are strictly against illegal immigration.

Status of Free Speech

2014-03-04 23:56:56 UTC

While the Malaysian Constitution theoretically guarantees freedom of religion, the government prohibits any publications that it feels will incite racial or religious disharmony, and has asked that religious matters not be discussed in public due to their sensitivity

Legal System

2014-03-04 23:56:57 UTC

The law of Malaysia is mainly based on the common law legal system.

Capital punishment in malaysia applies to muder, drug trafficking, treason and waging war againt Yang Di - Pertuan Agnog (THE KING) Recently, the law has been extended to include acts of terrorism. Any terrorists, and anyone who aids terrorists, financially or otherwise, are liable to face the death penalty. Foreigners are not exempt on the death penalty.

Social Welfare

2014-03-05 00:08:06 UTC

The Social Welfare Department Malaysia started with its involvement in managing problems that stemmed from World War II. From there, its roles and functions have expanded to preventive and rehabilitative services in social issues and the development of the community.

It is one of the agencies under the administration of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.