Paolo Nicelli

Islamic law in the country's 13 states clashes with the constitution and creates difficulties for non-Muslims. In an interview with the AsiaNews envoy, Leonard Teoh, a Malaysian Catholic lawyer describes the restrictions and violence which are a fruit of Islamic law, and comments on the alarm voiced by the bishops.

Malaysia's complex identity: a Muslim majority tempted by Sharî'a law and a multiracial, secular state that guarantees religious freedom. Catholic Bishops back new, moderate Prime Minister Abdullâh Badawi.