ABSTRACT
This chapter examines interfaith relations in Malaysia and the often undiscussed structural factors which underpin inter-ethnic and interfaith relations in the country. In terms of religion, Malays are required by law to be Muslim, while ethnic Indians, Chinese and others are free to choose their religion, and to convert to a different religion if they so desire. Particularly since the introduction of the new economic policy in 1970, Malaysia's legal and policy framework has reified a long-standing 'special position' for bumiputera. While science shows that there is no physiological basis for the notion of 'race', in Malaysia it is a socially constructed 'reality' into which the country's citizens are socialised from the time they are born. Toward the end of 2002, the Malaysian Interfaith Network was launched as an offshoot of the Taiping Peace Initiative. Its aim is to bring concerned citizens of various faiths together to work toward a more harmonious and peaceful society.
