Letter: Malaysian views on media freedom; British attitudes to aid and trade

Sir: No one should be surprised that the Malaysian government has difficulty in understanding the notion of press freedom. Members of the Christian community in Malaysia have for years suffered discrimination because of a similar 'blind spot' concerning freedom of religion. To mention one example only, even the language Christians may use in worship or translating the Bible is defined and restricted by government edict.

It is strange that the same UK government which is demanding that our schools must impose a Christian act of worship upon pupils is also assisting oppressive regimes, such as those of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, that actively persecute Christians.

Yours faithfully,

P. COUSINS

Exeter

4 March