01.08.2025

A Malaysian woman speaks out on religion and public image

In a heartfelt letter to GC, Liza from Petaling Jaya questions the growing trend of public figures/influencers/celebrities using religion as a public performance. She urges Malaysians to think critically, respect sincere faith, and avoid blindly trusting public figures who use religion as a branding tool.

Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia: The Iconic Monument's Dual Identity in Istanbul (Photo for illustration only).

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Dear GC,

My name is Hasliza and I'm working in a consulting firm based in Petaling Jaya.

I’m writing this because I’ve been noticing something lately, and honestly, it’s been bothering me. I don’t usually speak up about these things, but I feel like someone needs to.

The other day, I saw a local male podcaster accepting an award. Instead of thanking his team or reflecting on the journey, he immediately mentioned God’s numerous times, as if that alone explained everything. Not long after that, a male actor I used to enjoy watching was suddenly acting like a religious leader, performing prayer in public, wearing religious attire, and presenting himself as if he was someone with divine authority.

What’s going on?

I’m not against religion. I believe in God too, and I respect people’s personal faith. But there’s a difference between having faith and using religion for image or influence. When public figures bring religion into every speech, every stage, every platform - it stops being about faith. It starts to feel like a performance. And that’s what worries me.

You don’t really see this in more developed countries. There, people keep faith personal. Leaders talk about ideas, values, hard work, and their first statesman. Here, it feels like the more someone mentions God, the more people trust them. But should that really be how we measure someone’s sincerity or capability?

The danger is this: when religion is used publicly like this, it becomes a tool for branding and admiration, not to spread truth. It makes people stop thinking critically. It shuts down real conversations. It creates division and ideology. And it gives too much power to people who might not be qualified to guide others, just because they sound religious on stage.

It’s also unfair to real religious leaders and everyday people who live their faith quietly and sincerely. Their beliefs are being overshadowed by celebrities who know how to say the right religious words at the right moment.

We need to be careful. Just because someone says “God” on a microphone doesn’t mean they’re a good role model. We need to look deeper. We need to ask harder questions.

Thanks for giving women like me a space to share. I just want a society where we can think for ourselves, respect faith without misusing it, and build something more honest.

Sincerely,

Liza

Answer by The Gent:

Hi Liza,

Your letter strikes at the heart of something many of us have been quietly observing - the blurring lines between authentic faith and performative spirituality in our public discourse.

Thank you for having the courage to articulate what so many are thinking but hesitate to voice.

You're absolutely right. This is urgent, and it demands immediate attention from those who shape our media landscape and regulatory frameworks.

While we at GC deeply appreciate you sharing your concerns with us – and we stand firmly behind your call for authenticity and critical thinking – we believe this powerful letter should find its way to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). They are the guardians of our media standards and the ones with the authority to ensure that public platforms are used responsibly, not as stages for calculated spiritual theater.

Your observations about the difference between personal faith and public performance resonate profoundly. At GC, we celebrate the rich tapestry of beliefs that make up our global community – Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and countless other traditions that contribute to our shared human story. Our readers span continents and cultures, united not by a single faith, but by our commitment to refined living.

What you're describing – the commodification of the sacred – diminishes us all. When religion becomes a brand strategy rather than a lived truth, it cheapens both the performer and the audience. It transforms the profound into the profitable, the sacred into the strategic.

The beauty of true faith, whether Eastern or Western, lies in its quiet consistency – the daily choices, the private moments of reflection, the humble service that requires no applause. These are the virtues we value at GC: authenticity and substance.

Your letter should reach those who can effect real change in how our media platforms are governed. MCMC needs to hear from thoughtful citizens like you who understand that with great influence comes great responsibility. They need to consider guidelines that encourage genuine discourse while preventing the exploitation of spiritual sentiment for personal gain.

Please consider sending this letter to MCMC. Your voice is exactly what our regulatory bodies need to hear. The future of our media landscape depends on citizens who, like you, refuse to accept performance as a substitute for authenticity.

Thank you for reminding us all that true refinement comes not from what we proclaim on stage, but from how we live when no one is watching.

 

In solidarity,
The Gent

RELATED: Concern regarding celebrities preaching religion for popularity

 

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Please note:

1. We no longer accept letters on marital or divorce issues.

2. We do not entertain unconstructive correspondence, race and religion topics, or hate speech.

3. If you are writing on behalf of an institution, organisation, or formal body and wish to submit a letter to GC, we kindly request that you provide reasonable proof of your affiliation or existence. This helps us maintain the integrity of all correspondence.

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Thank you for your understanding.

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