Malaysia is one of only 12 countries in the world to have apostasy technically punishable by death, according to the Freedom of Thought Report 2017.

The report, published by the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), also listed Malaysia as one of 30 countries which gravely violated at least one of the four themes which were measured.

Other countries which were also listed as meeting at least one "grave violation", the lowest category, include Afghanistan, Brunei, China, North Korea and Syria.

"'Apostasy' or conversion from a specific religion is outlawed and punishable by death.

"It is illegal to advocate secularism or church-state separation, or such advocacy is suppressed...