Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (http://www.stm.edu.my)
CFM Merdeka Press Statament
THE CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA )
NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE
As we celebrate our 51st National Day under the theme, “Unity the core of success”, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) invites all Christians to stand together with all other Malaysians, in a spirit of servanthood, and offer our prayers and supplications to God, seeking to be faithful in our calling to live in peace and harmony with one another (Romans 12:16-18).
Our country need to re-examine her priorities and policies, and reassert the Merdeka spirit that shaped the nation that we have become. Race and religion have reared their ugly sides. Unscrupulous people are making use of such issues for political gain.
Today, more than ever, our unity in diversity as a nation, is our strength and therefore should always be guarded with all our effort.
We call upon our leaders to heed to the pledge made in 1970, and to ensure that our nation is governed in the spirit of the Rukunegara. The preamble reads; “Our Nation, Malaysia is dedicated to: Achieving a greater unity for all her people; maintaining a democratic way of life; creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably distributed; ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural tradition; and building a progressive society which shall be orientated to modern science and technology.
We believe national unity is being threatened today by various forms of religious bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Regaining confidence that the government and other agencies and public institutions will act fairly in upholding the constitution and protecting the rights of citizens, especially the minorities, is what the majority of Malaysians are appealing for.
The churches will pledge to work with the government and all other freedom-loving citizens to build national unity by promoting mutual respect between religious communities and a vibrant democratic life that celebrates our diversity.May God’s richest blessings be upon our DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong, DYMM our Sultans, our Government leaders, our parliamentarians and on all the peace-loving Malaysians.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6)
(signed)
Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ (Chairman)
and members of the Executive Committee
29th August, 2008
The Star Online (http://www.thestar.com.my)
Merdeka gathering of religious leaders to be held annually, 30 August 2008
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS
PUTRAJAYA: For the first time since Malaysia achieved independence 51 years ago, a gathering of religious leaders representing various faiths was held Saturday. Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants such a gathering be held annually as part of the country's merdeka celebration.
The Prime Minister said the inaugural gathering was a historical moment for the country as heads of various religions and communities gathered in the same hall to mingle.
"This is a historical and momentous time for all of us and I want similar gatherings be held every year when we celebrate Merdeka in years to come.
"We will find ways to improve and modify the gathering and see if there are opportunities for discussions to be held among the religious leaders. This is a perfect way to strengthen the bond among fellow Malaysians and we should not forego this golden opportunity," he said.
Abdullah was speaking at a "muhibbah" gathering attended by some 300 religious leaders and representatives of various faith groups, organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
Present were minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, National Unity and Integration department director-general Datuk Azman Amin Hassan and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddishm, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Datuk A. Vaithilingam.
The Prime Minister said that efforts and opportunities must be sought among religious leaders to meet, eat at the same table as well as exchange views as this is a good way to know and understand each other's religious perspective better.
"This will also help promote muhibbah (unity), tolerance and respect, which is extremely important in a multi-religion, multi-ethnic society like Malaysia," he said.
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