GEORGE TOWN – The institution of the Catholic Church in Malaysia prefers to adopt a silent but substantial approach in resolving issues and carrying out its advocacy works.
Bishop of Penang Cardinal Datuk Seri Sebastian Francis said a soft non-combative approach is more effective, rather than publicly making demands or expressing dissatisfaction.
“It helps the Church get things done,” Bishop Sebastian told Scoop in a recent interview.
Malaysia’s sole cardinal had just returned from the Vatican having participated in the Conclave which elected Pope Leo XIV.
Acknowledging that the institution has become more reserved compared to previously where it was a lot more vocal and outspoken, Bishop Sebastian attributed this shift to the dismantling of repressive laws such as the Internal Security Act 1948.
“The country’s Catholic Church has been brought up in the shadow of these laws,” Bishop Sebastian said although he acknowledged that the Malaysian government has “softened” over the years.
“So these are things we have to discern together, not individually – at the level of leadership. So (when it comes to issues such as) indigenous community as well as many others – we are all there,” he said.
“We don’t make a big shout from the rooftops and go on to challenge everything. Instead we do it gently and quietly and give our support where it is needed – without giving publicity because it becomes diverted.
“Publicity doesn’t help these things, as it very often confuses things.”
Instances of the Church going head on with the Government publicly are well documented.
Among the more prolific cases, the ban on the use of “Allah” and several conversion cases.
Bishop Sebastian preferred not to delve into the past and look forward and focus on working for the community.
He said when it comes to migrant labour issues, the Migrants and Itinerants Ministry is one of the biggest ministries in the diocese.
“But the church does not make a huge publicity about its advocacy works for the Catholic migrant community, which include the undocumented,” he said adding that the Penang Diocese has a strong Prison Ministry with 120 volunteers who would visit every prison in Perlis, Kedah, Penang Perak, and Kelantan as part of rehabilitation and assimilating prisoners back into society upon release.
“We don’t need to jump into the bandwagon of publicity. Because the more you engage with the public sphere, the less energy you have to do the real ground work.
“So get down…. turun padang (go to the ground) and get to work. And leave the publicity to the NGOs.” – June 22, 2025