CFM is an acronym of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, which is the highest organisation of Christianity in Malaysia and consists of 90% of Malaysian Churches. The below is the message for the 50th Anniversary of Merdeka (Independence) last month. (Lily)
CFM NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE; 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF MERDEKA
On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of Merdeka, the Christian Federation of Malaysia joins all Malaysians in celebrating the event and offering prayers of thanksgiving to God for all the blessings upon our nation. Such an anniversary offers us the opportunity to remember and cherish the founding vision of our nation.
The coming together of the various races and religious communities in 1957 to forge a nation, and the enlargement of Malaya into Malaysia in 1963, was only possible because there was the strength of conviction on the part of all to build a collective national identity where every Malaysian will have a place under the sun.
Our founding leaders agreed upon independence to a binding “social contract” that underscored the acceptance and management of ethnic and religious diversity, and governed in the framework of a secular constitutional democracy.
All these years Malaysians have come to appreciate the Federal Constitution as our document of shared destiny, and the affirmation of the objectives and principles of Rukun Negara, has guided our living together in peaceful and harmonious co-existence.
Today, after fifty years of nationhood, we realize that we cannot take unity-in-diversity for granted. What divides us has become more accentuated than what unites us. Signs of polarization along ethnic and religious lines, along with all forms of chauvinism, racism and superiority are eroding our national unity.
In order to face these challenges, the CFM feels the necessity to reinforce the importance of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, which are restated in the basic tenets of the Rukun Negara. Only by doing so can we safeguard our democratic life, enhance good governance, and sustain unity not adverse to religious and ethnic pluralism.
The CFM also believes in the strengthening of interfaith dialogue in order to enhance communal and religious harmony. In sharing and respect for each other’s religious and cultural traditions, we shall be able to inspire one another and draw upon shared universal values to strengthen the moral foundations of our society.
After fifty years, it is time once again to rekindle the cherished vision of our founding leaders and strengthen values of unity, diversity and harmony among all our people. We must teach our young the values of democratic life where the fundamental liberties of every citizen are enshrined, ensured and enabled by a government that adheres to a constitution that shaped our first Merdeka.
The Christians of Malaysia renew their pledge of allegiance to the King, country and the Constitution and will continue to impart to people the spiritual value that teaches to love God and to serve others.
When we do this:
“Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;discretion will watch over you; understanding will guard you; delivering you from the way of evil.” (Proverbs 2:9, 11-12).
The Churches joins all Malaysians in praying for the well-being of our beloved King and Queen, the various Sultans, the Prime Minister and his cabinet, as they exercise their responsibilities in governing public life.
May Malaysia continue to prosper with peace and stability, and with stronger bonds of harmony between the different races and religions.
Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing, Sj(Chairman)
Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips (Vice Chairman)
Rev. Dr. Eu Hong Seng (Vice Chairman)
Christian Federation of Malaysia
29 August 2007
(End)
