AYAH PIN & THE SKY KINGDOM
Ayah Pin, the leader of Sky Kingdom, claimed divine communication with the heavens and was regarded by his followers as the reincarnation of multiple religious figures, including Jesus, Buddha, Shiva, and Muhammad. He was revered as the “king of the sky” and the supreme object of devotion across various religious traditions. The sect promoted ecumenical dialogue and sought to foster inter-religious harmony. Followers believed in spiritual entities such as angels and Orang Bunian (forest fairies), and they engaged in spiritual healing, dream interpretation, and rituals centered around Ayah Pin.
The Malaysian government viewed Sky Kingdom as a heretical Islamic sect, leading to its declaration as apostate. This stance ignited constitutional debates over the supremacy of sharia law versus religious freedom in Malaysia. The commune was characterized by its symbolic architecture, including structures like a giant cream-colored teapot, a blue vase representing heavenly love, and a large umbrella symbolizing divine shelter. The group faced significant opposition from government and religious authorities, resulting in arrests, demolitions, and fatwas. Despite initial popularity and international interest, the movement’s numbers declined significantly following the 2005 crackdown. Ayah Pin went into exile in Thailand, and remaining followers faced legal challenges. The sect’s legacy includes ongoing debates over religious freedom and state intervention in Malaysia.