Page 71 - A Study of Traditional Chinese Religions in Malaysia: The Decline and the Path Towards Revitalization

4.4.3 Familiarity leading to conviction

In contrast to John, Helen and Steven’s conversion experience, Koh’s conversion to Taoism
stemmed from his familiarity with Taoist religious practices that was part of his job in his

teenage years, as he shares:

“When I went to work in Singapore at the young age of 15, I had to help his boss offer

joss sticks every day at the workplace. I had to do it because I was poor and had to

rely on others to make money. However I became familiar with the Taoist practice

and was okay with it. Gradually, I had become a Taoist. After coming back from

Singapore, I started joining the Tua Pek Kong Temple as a “tao ge” (头家; a small

position at the temple) since 1982. I then became the Deputy Chairman of Tua Pek

Kong Temple in 1988 to 1992. From 1993 to present, I have been the Chairman of

the Tua Pek Kong Temple.” (Koh)`

Based on the excerpt, it is interesting that Koh’s journey of conversion began with the
practical reason of helping his boss to offer joss sticks at the workplace when he was still a
Catholic at 15 years old. The familiarity with the Taoist religious practice led him to convert

to Taoism and subsequently held various positions of leadership at the TPK temple. This
journey differs from the other respondents’ in the sense that Koh’s conversion started with

his familiarity with the material aspect of the Taoist religion while the interest of John, Helen
and Steven in Buddhism was sparked by the non-material, i.e. the Buddhist faith and
teachings.

4.5 Challenges Faced After the Conversion

In terms of the challenges faced by the respondents after their conversion from non-
traditional Chinese religion to traditional Chinese religion, John, Helen and Steven had each

shared different issues that were unique to their respective circumstances, i.e. John and
Helen had each faced negative perceptions of members of their respective religious

organization; and Steven and Helen had to overcome language barriers in committing to
Buddhist religious practices.

4.5.1 Negative perceptions on the intentions and process of ‘conversion’

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