The cannon from Penang, Ibrahim Ali, just shot another imflammatory ball that was aimed at causing the Christians to get emotional. Hey, when did we ever lose our patience and test the Malays' patience.
It has always been skunk like IA that frequently tests the patience of the Christians. Every time when such incitation occured, the Christians keep their cool and calm and see what imbeciles in UMNO are doing.
The Sarawak CM just said that the defacement, serialisation and desecration of the impounded BM bibles could only be done by stupid bums like IA and those who ranks were below that of the PM. How right was Taib Mahmud.
The dual policy conceived by the "stupids" did not take into account the National Language Policy for Malaysia nor did they think through enough before uttering their big gaps. In trying to expediently solve one problem, it created two other problems. One having a country with two different policies governing the printing, importation and distribution of the BM Bibles in East and Peninsular Malaysia; and secondly, causing a greater racial rift between the people of the East and Peninsular Malaysia.
IA only knows how to utter controversial matters through his A-hole. Nothing comes out of his A has ever been deemed to be reasonable and rational. His remarks have always the effect of causing public commotion, disorder and unrest. In so doing, he actually stirs up racial overtures and disharmony among the peoples of Malaysia.
How could the BM Bible be classified under the ISA as being prejudicial to the security and interest of the country? The BM Bibles are not for the muslim Malays to read or to convert their faith into Christians.
The BM Bibles are meant for every Malaysian Christian or anyone who desire to know more about what is contained in the text or the Christian religion.. It is never meant for the muslims! So do not try to put words into the mouth of the Church leaders.
The protest by the Christian community is to retrieve their freedom and legitimate right of worship - nothing less and nothing more in accordance with Section 11 of the Malaysian Constitution and Section 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Look at the Christian community throughout the country. Land is rarely allotted or given out; the church to be built has to comply with and conform to various ridiculous conditions. Please visit some of the churches set up in Bandar Sunway. The churches look more like factories. The Christian community has been tolerating the nonsensical policies of the imbecilic KDN. We just want now to restore our rights to be able to decide on our way of worship. We need no advice from IA who is definitely not qualified to do so. We just wish that he just shuts up.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Betrayal for 30 Pieces of Silver
Obviously the Hon. Minister in Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala did not consult CFM nor CCM for their opinions on the recently announced 10-point solution to the bible issue.
Instead, he chose to seek out the opinion and comment of BSM and the "Custodians of the Catholic Faith" from Malacca which comes under the Majodi (Malacca Johore Diocese) of which Bishop Paul Tan, in my views, is the true diocesan catholic faith custodian and certainly not the pocketful of Portuguese Catholics in Malacca, which the Star Paper reported on Monday 4 April 2011.
Christians of salt will instantly smell a rat in the divisive 10-point solution to the bible issue that was so expediently conceived and decided probably in view of the Sarawak State Election on 16 April 2011. How we wish the "Allah" issue could be that rapidly resolved.
No loyal and patriotic Malaysian who is particularly a true and discerning Chrisitan, would want to associate with the views of the BSM. If I may opine, in a figurative sense, what BSM did was likened to the betrayal to the Christian community for a mere 30 pieces of silver.
Until now I cannot see how an Al Kitab printed on its cover with a cross and the words "For Chrisitainity" be any more prejudicial to the security and interest of the country than one without!
Now the Home Minister on sensing the barrage of negativities being hurled at Idris Jala quickly came out with a statement pursuading the Christian masses not to jump the gun as the matter was still not finalised. A more comprehensive solution was in his sleeves.
Our Home Minister was just treating Jala like a yoyo without giving him the due regard and respect as a Minister.
In my view, in the interim, CCM should take a serious view on the "jumping the gun" attitude and conduct of recalcitrant BSM.
Let us fight in concert for the unity and harmony of the country consistent with the constitutional rights for practicing our religion freely.
Instead, he chose to seek out the opinion and comment of BSM and the "Custodians of the Catholic Faith" from Malacca which comes under the Majodi (Malacca Johore Diocese) of which Bishop Paul Tan, in my views, is the true diocesan catholic faith custodian and certainly not the pocketful of Portuguese Catholics in Malacca, which the Star Paper reported on Monday 4 April 2011.
Christians of salt will instantly smell a rat in the divisive 10-point solution to the bible issue that was so expediently conceived and decided probably in view of the Sarawak State Election on 16 April 2011. How we wish the "Allah" issue could be that rapidly resolved.
No loyal and patriotic Malaysian who is particularly a true and discerning Chrisitan, would want to associate with the views of the BSM. If I may opine, in a figurative sense, what BSM did was likened to the betrayal to the Christian community for a mere 30 pieces of silver.
Until now I cannot see how an Al Kitab printed on its cover with a cross and the words "For Chrisitainity" be any more prejudicial to the security and interest of the country than one without!
Now the Home Minister on sensing the barrage of negativities being hurled at Idris Jala quickly came out with a statement pursuading the Christian masses not to jump the gun as the matter was still not finalised. A more comprehensive solution was in his sleeves.
Our Home Minister was just treating Jala like a yoyo without giving him the due regard and respect as a Minister.
In my view, in the interim, CCM should take a serious view on the "jumping the gun" attitude and conduct of recalcitrant BSM.
Let us fight in concert for the unity and harmony of the country consistent with the constitutional rights for practicing our religion freely.
The 10-Point Flawed Solution
I refer to the article under the caption “Solutions to address Bible Issue” appearing on Page N8 of your Sunday Star of 3 April 2011.
The ten-point solution announced by The Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, would be well-received and welcomed by adherents of all religions in the country if not for Point No. 5.
In my view, as a staunched Christian, Point 5 should be taken out from the solution. It tends to contradict and vitiate, in my humble view, the true spirit of 1 Malaysia Policy. Besides, it was an expedient attempt to provide a short term solution to the current impasse; but, unfortunately in the course of seeking a solution , it inadvertently created an insidiously divisive double standard policy of religious practice among Christian Malaysians in East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia.
It is timely and opportune that we standardise the BM Bible publication and circulation policy for all states in the country and avoid creating further the geographical divide in a sincere effort by all concerned to create a better, united and harmonious Malaysia.
The Minister had admirably cited Matthew 18:21-22 in connection with the season of Lent exhorting Christians and people at large on the need for sacrifice, reconciliation and forgiveness. While appreciating the Minister’s effort, any future workable or sustainable religio-policy, should be free from any impediment, prohibition and restriction . In this regard, I would go so far as to suggest that we and all when proposing or intending to propose any religio- policy should be guided by Matthew 22:21 which states “Render back to Caesar what that belongs to Caesar and to God what that belongs to God”.
The BM Bible issue in my view is a non-issue if only those in authority really under stand fully the purport and import of Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Government leaders and civil servants in various ministries and Islamic organizations should be encouraged to freely participate and engage in interreligious dialogue with leaders of other religions in the country so that they might better understand their respective teachings and practices; and, so that they could conceive and formulate sounder policies on religions that are fair, just and congruent to the tenets of Rukunegara and prevailing laws of the land.
The Christian community and others were dismayed and disappointed at the unwarranted hasty impoundment of the 35,000 copies of the BM Alkitab two years ago and the subsequent unilateral imposition of the release conditions and desecration of the said bibles.
This had antagonized the Christian community, who felt that they had been denied or seemingly denied of their freedom and right to religious freedom. The resultant tension, frustration and disharmony so caused was rather if not most unfortunate.
The Government should not be worried about people reading any holy books because all of them have the common message of teaching or encouraging to teach the readers to become better individuals– more understanding, loving, charitable, helpful, merciful, kind, patient, reasonable and thoughtful. For sure, they do not teach nor encourage anyone to be belligerent, kill, cheat, be sinful or immoral or harbouring any evil intent to hurt or injure another human being.
From my personal experience, I have read and will continue to read available holy books of any religion whether the Holy Bible, the Koran, Bagavad Gita, books and literature on or relating to Taoism, Sikhism, the Bahai faith etc. My faith is or has never been shaken. In fact, by exposing myself to the knowledge of other religions, my faith and spirituality have over the years been greatly edified and strengthened. By knowing more about my neighbours’ religions , I have become more aware of how little I know of my own religion. This in a great way provides me the impetus to read, learn more about and fortify my own faith.
I do not see nor understand the rationale or the necessity of having the cross and the cautionary phrase “Christian Publication” etched on the covers of the BM Alkitab printed or imported for West Malaysians.
Anyone who opens a holy book will automatically realise that it belongs to or is meant for either Christians, or Muslims, or Hindus, or Sikhs, or Bahais , or Taoists etc.
My point is: why have them etched on the cover of BM Bibles for particular circulation in West Malaysia and exempt this ruling from application to the BM Alkitab for Sarawak and Sabah. All religious adherents should read or be encouraged to read their respective or other holy books written in or translated into the language in which they are proficient or that they can best understand. Would this ruling not be contrary to the Bahasa Malaysia policy of the country?
In a similar vein, if one were to proffer me a Koran written in the Arabic language, I would not be able to read it. But, I will read the English translated version (By Abdullah Yusuf Ali) to find out about the Islamic teachings and exhortations by Prophet Mohamad (PBUH) governing among other things the relationship between the Christians and Muslims pursuant to Surah 29:46 which reads and I quote:
“And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better than mere disputations, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong and injury: but say, “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is one; and it is to Him we bow”.
By understanding teachings of other religions and/or faiths, I have learned to be more respectful, understanding and better fellowship with adherents of all faiths.
As exhorted, in this season of Lent, let us remove Point 5, bury the hatchet, forgive what had happened in the recent past regarding the impoundment and desecration issue.
Let us work together with magnanimity and in greater harmony for a better Malaysia tomorrow. To which, my congregation and I shall pray.
The ten-point solution announced by The Honorable Minister in the Prime Minister Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, would be well-received and welcomed by adherents of all religions in the country if not for Point No. 5.
In my view, as a staunched Christian, Point 5 should be taken out from the solution. It tends to contradict and vitiate, in my humble view, the true spirit of 1 Malaysia Policy. Besides, it was an expedient attempt to provide a short term solution to the current impasse; but, unfortunately in the course of seeking a solution , it inadvertently created an insidiously divisive double standard policy of religious practice among Christian Malaysians in East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia.
It is timely and opportune that we standardise the BM Bible publication and circulation policy for all states in the country and avoid creating further the geographical divide in a sincere effort by all concerned to create a better, united and harmonious Malaysia.
The Minister had admirably cited Matthew 18:21-22 in connection with the season of Lent exhorting Christians and people at large on the need for sacrifice, reconciliation and forgiveness. While appreciating the Minister’s effort, any future workable or sustainable religio-policy, should be free from any impediment, prohibition and restriction . In this regard, I would go so far as to suggest that we and all when proposing or intending to propose any religio- policy should be guided by Matthew 22:21 which states “Render back to Caesar what that belongs to Caesar and to God what that belongs to God”.
The BM Bible issue in my view is a non-issue if only those in authority really under stand fully the purport and import of Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Government leaders and civil servants in various ministries and Islamic organizations should be encouraged to freely participate and engage in interreligious dialogue with leaders of other religions in the country so that they might better understand their respective teachings and practices; and, so that they could conceive and formulate sounder policies on religions that are fair, just and congruent to the tenets of Rukunegara and prevailing laws of the land.
The Christian community and others were dismayed and disappointed at the unwarranted hasty impoundment of the 35,000 copies of the BM Alkitab two years ago and the subsequent unilateral imposition of the release conditions and desecration of the said bibles.
This had antagonized the Christian community, who felt that they had been denied or seemingly denied of their freedom and right to religious freedom. The resultant tension, frustration and disharmony so caused was rather if not most unfortunate.
The Government should not be worried about people reading any holy books because all of them have the common message of teaching or encouraging to teach the readers to become better individuals– more understanding, loving, charitable, helpful, merciful, kind, patient, reasonable and thoughtful. For sure, they do not teach nor encourage anyone to be belligerent, kill, cheat, be sinful or immoral or harbouring any evil intent to hurt or injure another human being.
From my personal experience, I have read and will continue to read available holy books of any religion whether the Holy Bible, the Koran, Bagavad Gita, books and literature on or relating to Taoism, Sikhism, the Bahai faith etc. My faith is or has never been shaken. In fact, by exposing myself to the knowledge of other religions, my faith and spirituality have over the years been greatly edified and strengthened. By knowing more about my neighbours’ religions , I have become more aware of how little I know of my own religion. This in a great way provides me the impetus to read, learn more about and fortify my own faith.
I do not see nor understand the rationale or the necessity of having the cross and the cautionary phrase “Christian Publication” etched on the covers of the BM Alkitab printed or imported for West Malaysians.
Anyone who opens a holy book will automatically realise that it belongs to or is meant for either Christians, or Muslims, or Hindus, or Sikhs, or Bahais , or Taoists etc.
My point is: why have them etched on the cover of BM Bibles for particular circulation in West Malaysia and exempt this ruling from application to the BM Alkitab for Sarawak and Sabah. All religious adherents should read or be encouraged to read their respective or other holy books written in or translated into the language in which they are proficient or that they can best understand. Would this ruling not be contrary to the Bahasa Malaysia policy of the country?
In a similar vein, if one were to proffer me a Koran written in the Arabic language, I would not be able to read it. But, I will read the English translated version (By Abdullah Yusuf Ali) to find out about the Islamic teachings and exhortations by Prophet Mohamad (PBUH) governing among other things the relationship between the Christians and Muslims pursuant to Surah 29:46 which reads and I quote:
“And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better than mere disputations, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong and injury: but say, “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is one; and it is to Him we bow”.
By understanding teachings of other religions and/or faiths, I have learned to be more respectful, understanding and better fellowship with adherents of all faiths.
As exhorted, in this season of Lent, let us remove Point 5, bury the hatchet, forgive what had happened in the recent past regarding the impoundment and desecration issue.
Let us work together with magnanimity and in greater harmony for a better Malaysia tomorrow. To which, my congregation and I shall pray.
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