Malaysia is not a centre for theology

I REFER to the letter “Grant visa to students studying in seminaries” ( Views, Aug 24).

I do not agree with the writer that student visas be granted to international students to study in theological seminaries in Malaysia.

What theology are we talking about?

Malaysia is not in any way a hub or centre for theological studies, be it Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism or Islam or any other religion. We must be extremely careful in promoting and accepting international students as we are a multicultural, multireligious and multiethnic nation.

The fact is we import religious priests for various religions from abroad because we do not have such credible and established centres here in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Immigration authorities and the Home Affairs Ministry grants visas to priests from all over the world to practise at registered religious temples and churches here.

If we are indeed a centre for theological seminaries, why do we need priests from abroad to serve in Malaysia?

Furthermore, the Malaysian Government sends students to Middle Eastern countries to study Islamic theology.

I do not see the need for interna- tional students to be accorded student visas to study theology or divinity in this country.