In Malaysia, Christmas decried as ‘ploy’ to lead Muslims astray

A billboard in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, appeals to national unity in a February 2014 photo. Rising fundamentalist Islam put increased pressure on minorities in the country's famously multicultural society during the year.

Rise of fundamentalist Islam makes 2014 a difficult year

For Malaysian Christians, 2014 has been a year when they had to dig deep into their spiritual resources to withstand a sustained onslaught on their faith by Islamic authorities with the apparent collusion of state power.

There has been no let-up even in the week before Christmas. Malay Muslims were warned to beware the celebration of the birth of Christ because the festival is aimed at wooing them to the Christian faith.

The local branch of Hizbut Tharir, a global Islamic organisation that advocates the creation of an Islamic caliphate, issued the warning. Read more

Photo: Open Doors International