NECF (National Evangelical Christian Fellowship)(http://www.necf.org.my)
1. March 23, 2011 is the 2nd Anniversary of Alkitab Detention, 7 March 2011
On 23 March 2009, the Bible Society of Malaysia imported 5,000 Alkitab Berita Baik from Indonesia but these Malay Bibles together with 100 copies of other Christian literature were confiscated and detained by KDN at Port Klang. Since then, these detained materials have not been released despite the many calls and appeals to the government. Though, the Cabinet has approved the release of these materials, yet the Home Ministry's Publications Control and Quranic Text Division have refused to pay heed to the instructions given.
In times such as these, NECF Malaysia together with the Bible Society Malaysia would encourage and call upon churches to remember this occasion and join together in prayer for the release the 5,000 Alkitab that is still being retained by KDN at Port Klang. Our call is for all Christians both East and West Malaysia to pray fervently during this period for the following:-
(1) That Christians are at liberty to freely profess and practice our religion in peace without undue and improper interference from the State authorities
(2) For the unconditional and immediate release of the 5,000 Alkitab together with other Christian materials as approved by the cabinet
(3) That the civil service and/or enforcement authorities shall honour the rights of all people as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and comply with decisions made in accordance with the rule of law and established administrative processes.
Issued by
Secretary-General, NECF
2.
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
10 March 2011MEDIA STATEMENT BY CFM
Detention of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles Yet Again
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is greatly disillusioned, fed-up and angered by the repeated detention of Bibles written in our national language, Bahasa Malaysia. This time yet again at the Port of Kuching in Sarawak.
30,000 copies of the "Perjanjian Baru, Mazmur dan Amsal" i.e. the "New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs" are currently being withheld.
This is notwithstanding that the Government in its attempt to to justify its position against the use of the word "Allah" in the Alkitab, the Government had given the assurance that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia, will be freely available, at least in Sabah and Sarawak.
Since March 2009, all attempts to import the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia, i.e. the Alkitab, whether through Port Klang or the Port of Kuching, have been thwarted.
The previous consignment of 5,000 copies of the Alkitab imported in March 2009 is still being held by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Port Klang. This is despite repeated appeals which resulted in the Prime Minister making a decision to release the Alkitab held in Port Klang in December 2009 which was reported to CFM leaders by several Cabinet Ministers and their aides.
In absolute disregard of this decision, the 5,000 copies of the Alkitab remain detained. The Prime Minister when told about the continued detention of these 5,000 Bibles at a hi-tea event last Christmas expressed surprise that the order to release the same held in Port Klang had not been implemented. However, nothing has been done by the authorities to ensure their release.
Prior to March 2009, there were several incidents where shipments of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia were detained. Each time tedious steps had to be taken to secure their release. It would appear as if the authorities are waging a continuous, surreptitious and systematic programme against Christians in Malaysia to deny them access to the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.
Malaysian Christians, many of whom have grown up with Bahasa Malaysia as their principal medium of communication as a result of the Government's education policies, must have access to Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia in order to read, comprehend and practise their faith.
The freedom of religion guaranteed as part of the fundamental liberties under our Federal Constitution is rendered meaningless if adherents to a religion are denied access to their religious texts in a language that they can understand.
It is an affront to them that they are being deprived of their sacred Scriptures. Many are wondering why their Scriptures are considered a threat to national security. All these actions in relation to the detention of the Bibles continue to hurt the Malaysian Christian community.
We would ask how the Government's transformation programme can be successfully implemented if civil servants can blatantly refuse to obey the Prime Minister's order? Is the Government powerless to act against these "little Napoleons" who substitute their own interests and agenda in place of the Prime Minister's directives?
We call upon the Government to act now and prove their sincerity and integrity in dealing with the Malaysian Christian community on this and all other issues which we have been raising with them since the formation of the Christian Federation of Malaysia in 1985.
As an immediate step, we insist upon the immediate release of all Bibles which have been detained.
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
3. Sarawak Ministers Fellowship
Media Statement On
Restriction of Religious and Civil Rights of Christians In Sarawak
14th March 2011, Kingwood Inn Hotel, Kuching
The Sarawak Ministers Fellowship, consisting of Kuching Ministers Fellowship, Miri Pastors Fellowship, Sibu Pastors Fellowship, Bintulu Pastors Fellowship, and Gempuru Besai Raban Jaku Iban Malaysia (an alliance of Iban churches), fully stands with the Christian Federation of Malaysia on their 10th March official media statement regarding the detentions of the Bahasa Malaysia Bibles in Malaysia.
We view the detention of the latest batch of 30,000 copies of "Perjanjian Baru, Mazmur dan Amsal" (New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs) at the Kuching Port by Kementerian Dalam Negeri on 12th January as another blunt violation and unconstitutional curtailment of the religious liberty of the Christians in our Nation and the State of Sarawak.
The Bible detentions are not the only difficulties which our churches face in resolving key religious liberty issues with government authorities. We have repeatedly encountered restrictions that ran contrary to the guarantee of religious freedom provided in the Federal Constitution.
Article 8 of the Federal Constitution states that "All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law", and "there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law"
Article 11 provides for every person to have "the right to profess and practice his religion", and that every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs, (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes, and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with the law.
Furthermore, under the 18 Point Agreement for Sarawak in the formation of Malaysia, it is clearly stated that there is no official religion for Sarawak. Therefore the detention of the Bibles at the Kuching Port is not only unconstitutional but it also violates the spirit of the agreement for Sarawak to participate in the formation of Malaysia.
We are deeply disappointed and want to register our strong protest on how these continuous problems have impeded our Christian rights to practise our faith. Therefore, we call upon our Government to diligently uphold the rights of the Christian community in our State as enshrined in our Federal Constitution.
We acknowledge the biblical teaching to accord respect to the Government and to dialogue and work with those in authority to uphold peace and harmony in our land.
Sarawak Ministers Fellowship
4.
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
17th March 2011
CFM MEDIA STATEMENT
Holy Scriptures Desecrated
The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.
Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.
However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words "by order of the Minister of Home Affairs".
This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.
The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the "goal posts" over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.
We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.
The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.
We also wholly reject the Government's contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.
As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.
We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.
We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.
We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.
Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
5.
NECF STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESS STATEMENT BY MINISTER IN THE PRIME MINISTER DEPARTMENT SENATOR DATUK IDRIS JALA ON BM BIBLE TO CARRY "FOR CHRISTIANITY" STAMP
23rd March 2011
The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship of Malaysia (NECF), one of the component bodies of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is disappointed that Minister in the Prime Minister Department Senator Datuk Idris Jala has released the press statement on BM Bibles to Carry "For Christianity" Stamp while deliberation and consideration are still ongoing within the various constituencies of the Christian community.
On 18 March 2011, Senator Datuk Idris Jala and the Attorney General, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, met with representatives from the Christian Federation of Malaysia and other relevant Christian groups together with their legal advisers to present on behalf of the Government what is believed to be a workable solution for all parties.
At the end of the discussion, the representatives from the Christian Federation of Malaysia reiterated the need to refer to their respective church leaders and requested time to meet and discuss the matter further. The representatives also informed the Government that the Christian Federation of Malaysia would revert on their decision as soon as practicable since this matter has far reaching implications for Christians both in East and West Malaysia.
Hence NECF views the press statement released as premature and not true as the CFM has yet to meet and discussions are still ongoing.
Released by:
Sam Ang
Secretary-General
NECF Malaysia
6.
Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Kristian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism
25th March 2011
MCCBCHST MEDIA STATEMENT：HOLY SCRIPTURES DESECRATED
The Christian Federation of Malaysia’s (CFM) Media Statements of 10th and 17th March, 2011 stated that the Malaysian Christian community "is greatly disillusioned, fed-up and angered by the repeated detention of Bibles written in our national language, Bahasa Malaysia" - the AI Kitab. He was referring to the impounding of over 35,000 copies in Kuching, Sarawak and in Port Klang in total since March, 2009.
Repeated appeals were made to the Prime Minister and the CFM was informed in December 2009 that the 5,000 copies in Port Klang would be released. They were not. And when he was so informed last Christmas, he could only express surprise that the AI Kitab are still being held by the authorities.
This situation begs a first pair of questions, "Does our current Prime Minister wield any authority? And, if he does not, who does?"
Now the CFM has discovered that the release will be effected subject to certain conditions, every copy to be stamped with a serial number, an official seal and the words, "by order of the Minister of Home Affairs" This means that the Al Kitab (Bahasa Malaysia version) is now considered a restricted item and "the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. The full details are contained in the CFM's Media Statements referred to above.
Since the the above facts have become public, many respected and responsible Malaysian organisations and individual personages like the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council, the PAS ulamas, Puan Zuraidah Kamaruddin of Wanita Keadilan and the Federation of Taoist Malaysia have already come out in support of the CFM and decried the stand and actions taken by the authorities. Many more are expected to come out in public support of the CFM in the forthcoming days.
It would appear that the authorities would have Malaysians (especially the Malays and/or Muslims) believe that the current developments about the release of the AI Kitab, make it an islam/Christianity or Muslim/Christian conflict in our beloved country.
lt would be relevant here to briefly return to our history to ascertain certain historical facts. Malaya's (and Malaysia's) founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al—Haj, our first and most loved Prime Minister, prince and premier, truly a statesman, said in 1957 of the new nation, Malaya, "Let freedom be secured for all the law-abiding people. There shall be freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom from want, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement."
The political leaders definitely do not have a finger on the pulse of the nation. They are definetly wrong in what they are doing.
ln the face of what has been alluded to the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) in the narrative about "The Promise to St. Catherine", it is highly suspect that the Islamic high officials in our country do not even know their own religion!
The preceding now begs a second set of questions: "After the Christians have been 'fixed,' who next?"
The MCCBCHST unequivocally endorses the points made in the CFM press statement and supported by the Malaysian Gurdwara Council, the Federation of Taoist Malaysia and the many other right-thinking organisations and individuals who already have so spoken out and the many more that will speak out in the days to come. We also vehemently oppose the present line of action being pursued. lf anyone intelligently follows the little evidence laid out above (and we can promise you even more of the TRUTH where that came from) you must understand and appreciate why we, and all right-thinking Malaysians (of whichever race or religion), must take the stand that we do.
Reverend Dr. Thomas Philips - President
Daozhang Tan Bon Sin — Deputy President
Venerable Ming Ji — Vice President
Sardar V. Hacharan Singh - Vice President
Mr. RS. Mohan Shan — Vice President
7．
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
30th March 2011
CFM MEDIA STATEMENT
PROTECT AND DEFEND CHRISTIANS' RIGHT TO USE THE ALKITAB
We are grateful to Almighty God for bringing together Christian leaders from across churches in Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak to address the current controversy surrounding the impounding of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles, the Alkitab, at Port Klang and Kuching. This decision weighs heavily on us because of the implications not only for Christians but for all Malaysians.
We are united in our reaffirmation of the freedom of religion and worship. Therefore, our position is that there should be no restrictions, proscriptions or prohibitions whatsoever on the Bible or the use of the language of our choice in the practice of our religion, as it was in the days before and after the formation of Malaysia.
Christians, like any other Malaysians, are not demanding for anything beyond our constitutional and fundamental human rights as enshrined in Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The current controversy surrounding the Alkitab is just one of many issues that concerns Christians. There has been a systematic and progressive pushing back of the public space to practice, to profess and to express our faith. For example, the wearing and displaying of crosses and other religious symbols, using religious words and constructing places of worship have been restricted.
When Christians express this concern, we do so not just for ourselves but on behalf of all Malaysians. Our faith forms a critical component of our identity as Malaysians in nation-building as enshrined in the first pillar of our nation's Rukunegara: Belief in God.
As regards the offer made by the government on 22 March 2011, we respectfully state that this does not address the substantive issues. In point of fact, our previous offer made in 2005 to use the term "A Christian Publication" was only honoured in respect of one shipment of the Alkitab. Subsequent shipments were similarly held up and subjected to further arbitrary conditions for release.
In order to move forward, we call on the Government to commit itself once and for all to remove every impediment, whether legal or administrative, to the importation, publication, distribution and use of the Alkitab and indeed to protect and defend our right to use the Alkitab.
This includes revoking all orders made under the Internal Security Act 1960, which have declared the Alkitab as a threat to national security. Neither can the Alkitab be considered a threat to public order under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. We categorically reject the characterisation of our Holy Scriptures in this manner.
Instead, we see our Holy Scriptures as providing enlightenment and direction. In the words of the psalmist, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." (Psalm 119 : 105). In the New Testament is stated the teaching that we hold dear and true : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3 : 16)
We remain committed to work with the Government for a viable and long-term solution where the detailed processes and procedures are made clear and unequivocal and so long as our fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Federal Constitution are not infringed.
As for the copies of the Alkitab that have been impounded and desecrated, we reiterate our position that the action of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in stamping the Bibles amounts to an act of defacement, disrespect and treating with disdain the holy book of the Christians.
Given the unfortunate experience of KDN's tendency of taking arbitrary action without consulting affected parties or respecting the religious sensitivities of the Christian community, any decision to collect copies of the Alkitab which have been stamped and serialised would be with a view to prevent the possibility of further arbitrary acts of desecration, disrespect or destruction being committed against the Holy Scripture of the Christians by KDN and its officers.
We have left it to the 2 importers to decide whether or not to collect the Alkitab, based on their different specific circumstances and level of trust in the authorities and the processes in their local context.
Nevertheless, no matter what their decision is, we remain united in our common stand to uphold the principle of freedom of religion which includes the free availability without hindrance or obstacle of the Alkitab and all sacred scriptures in Malaysia.
We continue to call on all peace-loving Malaysians to pray for a dignified resolution to these critical issues in the life of our nation.
Dated this day 30th March 2011
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee
The Christian Federation of Malaysia
8．
NECF RESPONSE TO THE 10-POINT PLAN BY THE GOVERNMENT
5 April 2011
We welcome the new initiative and effort by the government in the press statement released by Dato Idris Jala on 2 April 2011.
The promised freedom to print and import the Alkitab is a welcome move. However, we hope that whatever conditions placed on West Malaysia will be resolved in due time with mutual deliberation and consultation in line with the provision of freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
NECF also welcomes the announcement that East Malaysian Christians are permitted to print and/or import the Alkitab freely without any restriction or conditions and hope that this promise will be implemented thoroughly by the authorities.
We hope that the government will continue with further discussion and hold regular meetings and dialogue with the various Christian groups to resolve outstanding religious issues beyond the bible row and to look for a way forward on all the other issues for the good and welfare of the nation.
We therefore call on all evangelical Christians to seek the welfare of the nation and to pray unceasingly for healing upon this nation.
Samuel Ang
Secretary-General
9.
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
7th April 2011
CFM Media Statement
A call for patience and careful consideration
The statements of regret and appeals for forgiveness expressed by the Government of Malaysia with respect to the impounding and stamping of the Bahasa Malaysia Bible, the Alkitab, resonate deep within the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).
As a body that brings together a wide cross-section of the Christian community in Malaysia, we know about the sinfulness of man and have experienced the forgiveness of God. As such, we receive these expressions with all the sincerity with which they are offered.
We believe the Government's proposals represent a basis for further dialogue and engagement towards a viable long-term and comprehensive solution.
As such, CFM feels that this process ought not to be hurried. Its constituent bodies are currently undertaking their own internal consultations prior to responding collectively to the 10-point resolution proposed by the Government.
We call for patience and perseverance, and continued prayer and quiet reflection, as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our deliberations.
Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
10.
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
14th April 2011
CFM MEDIA STATEMENT10-point SOLUTION AD HOC AND SHORT-TERM RESOLUTION
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) takes note of the Prime Minister's letter dated 11 April 2011 in relation to the collective decision of the Cabinet on the 10-point solution to address the Alkitab or Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and other related issues.
We consider the 10-point solution to be an ad hoc and short-term resolution to the two consignments of Alkitab which have been impounded at Port Klang and the Port of Kuching.
We reiterate that the Bible is our Holy Scripture and it is our right to read, study and pray with it in the language of our choice as freedom of religion is enshrined under our Federal Constitution.
The 10-point solution deals with the impounding of the Alkitab but not with the prohibition of publications containing the word "Allah". The root cause of the problem of the impounding of the Alkitab lies in the following:
The 1982 prohibition of the Alkitab and the 1983 prohibition of the Perjanjian Baru under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) on the grounds that the Alkitab is prejudicial to national interest and the security of Malaysia.
The 1986 administrative order prohibiting the use of the term "Allah" in Christian publications on the grounds of public order and prevention of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians.
The Garis Panduan of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan dan Teks Al-Quran of the Ministry of Home Affairs prohibiting the use of the word "Allah".
In this regard we refer to item 9 of the 10-point solution which reiterates the Government's commitment to address religious issues. The Government, therefore, should take immediate steps to remove the root causes by revoking the orders made under the ISA and the administrative order and to amend the Garis Panduan to remove the prohibition.
The "one country two policies" approach is confusing and unacceptable. We look forward to working with the Government to address other long standing issues affecting the Christian community including the relevant provisions in the State Enactments.
Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
11.
Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha, Kristian, Hindu, Sikh dan Tao / Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism
6th May, 2011
MCCBCHST: Let Us Work Together Towards A Harmonious, Judicious And United Malaysia
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) is concerned by the statement issued by Dr Yusri Mohamad on behalf of Muslim NGO's that lslam's position in Malaysia is under siege.
How could lslam's position be under siege when all public institutions and other Organs of Government are under the control of Muslims? We Quote ZAID IBRAHIM (Malaysia Today: 29/4/2011; www.zaiduntukrakyat.com).
"...Even without recent "unity call", the Malays are in complete political control. More than two-thirds of the cabinet is Malay....more than two-thirds of Parliamentarians are Malay or Bumiputra. The Sultans are Malay. All except one of the Menteri Besars and Chief Ministers are Malay Bumiputra. Eighty-five percent of Civil Service is Malay' including the diplomatic Corps and the educational and judicial services. The Armed Forces and Police are composed primarily of Malays. Rela Members are mostly Malay.
....Government-linked companies (GLCS) such as Maybank, Petronas, Telekom Malaysia, TNB, Khazanah Nasional, PNB, Media Prima, Felda, Sime Darby and many others the vast majority of which are owned by the Government and managed by Malay-Bumiputras? The G-20 group of largest listed GLCS alone possesses RM353 bilion (around half) of the market capitalization of the entire Bursa Malaysia".
We are further amazed to read that the designation of a Non-Muslim affairs exco in Penang is unconstitutional and threaten's lslam's position. There is no prohibition anv where in the Federal Constitution aqainst the desiqnation of a Non-Muslim affairs exco. ln fact, currently most states under Barisan Nasional have Non-Muslim Affairs Committees to address religious, places of worship, burial grounds and other issues faced by the Non-Muslims.
ISLAM'S POSITION
The MCCBCHST is not aware of any person or body having questioned lslam's position as enshrined in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.
ARTICLE 3(1) provides that lslam is the religion of the Federation and concludes with "...other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation."
ARTICLE 3(4) provides that "Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of the Constitution...." This means that Article 3 does not extinguish anything else in the constitution. Professor Shad Faruqi (STAR: 3/5/2011 page N51) stated;
"...Further, Article 3 (on lslam) does not extinguish anything else in the Constitution. Article 3(4) provides that "Nothing in this Article derogates from any other provision of this Constitution. This means that Articles 3 cannot be employed to challenqe the validity of a druq traffickinq law on the ground that some of its provisions were Un-lslamic (Che Omar Che Soh (1988). Nor-can Article 3 be relied on to trump any other constitutional provision - whether on fundamental rights or system of parliamentary government..."
Thus, one cannot use the position of lslam as the religion of the Federation to question other's rights. lt has to be based on the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
Therefore, fundamental and other rights guaranteed in the Federal Constitution cannot be over-ridden by Article 3 and some such rights are:-
Article 4(1) - "This Constitution is the Supreme law of the Federation..."
Article 8(1) - "All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law".
Article 11(1) - "Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and subject to clause (4) to propagate it"
Article 153(1) - "The legitimate interest of other communities" most of the time ignored".
Article 153(9) - Which prohibits restriction of business or trade solely for Malays is also totally ignored.
The MCCBCSHT reiterates and accepts unequivocally the Position of lslam as the religion of the Federation as provided for by Article 3. We note however that Article 3 cannot be used to challenge any other constitutional position.
The MCCBCHST therefore calls on Dr Mohamad Yusri and the Muslim NGO's to work together with all citizens towards a harmonious, judicious and united Malaysia.
Reverend Dr Thomas Philips
President
MCCBCHST
12.
6th May, 2011
Christians Response to "Making Christianity the official religion?"
The Christian community in Penang is disturbed by unwarranted and unsupported claims and allegations as contained in the write-up "Making Christianity the official religion" in the blog "The Thirteen Million plus Ringgit Guy Ramble..."
While it is true that several Christians and pastors gathered together at a hotel in Mcalister Road for dinner, the gathering was never with the intention to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia nor was it with a vow to have a Christian Prime Minister. The dinner was held to honour several pastors from Sarawak who was in Penang for the Unashamedly Ethical marketplace conference held this morning. Such fellowship dinners are common amongst Christians and are part and parcel of the Christian custom of love and fellowship.
The organiser of the Unashamedly Ethical marketplace conference is also perturbed by the claims in the blog that a special convention in the morning and a special meeting to be held this evening at Khaw Sim Bee Road, Georgetown was to ponder over having a Christian brother as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
The organiser vehemently denies such a claim as being unfounded and totally untrue aimed at creating division and social disharmony in multi-ethnic society of Malaysia and appears to be seditious. The so called special convention this morning was in fact an Unashamedly Ethical marketplace seminar organised to discuss and address the issue of bribery and corruption in the marketplace and the Christians' contribution in addressing such issues. It has nothing to do with political succession.
The Christian scripture has always affirmed the teaching and practice to honour and pray for the ruling authorities. This is demonstrated in the custom in Penang where pastors have consistently prayed for the leaders of the State in public meeting irrespective of who they are or which party they represent. The question of whether who will become the ruling government and the prime minister must be left to the democratic processes and by the will of God.
The organiser therefore call on all ethnic and religious communities to reject unfounded claims and negative assertion and stand together in upholding love, charity, compassion, righteousness and mutual respect as well as to contribute positively towards the development in the state of Penang and the nation as a whole.
Organisers of
Unashamedly Ethical Conference,
Penang
13. Letter to all Penang Pastors of NECF
16th May, 2011
To all Penang Pastors of NECF
The Unashamedly Ethical Campaign (UEC) was held in partnership with Global Day of Prayer (GDOP) and Market Place Penang. The event was held on May 5-6, at Penang Christian Centre and Berjaya Hotel.
The Unashamedly Ethical Campaign (UEC) is a global movement that began in South Africa aimed at promoting ethics, values and clean living. The movement first came to Malaysia at a conference held in Sibu on April 29 - May 1, followed at Kuala Lumpur from May 1-2 and finally over to Penang on May 5-6 2011.
The conference was to encourage participants to make that significant change in their lifestyle and be the salt and light both in their workplace and neighborhood.
The Unashamedly Ethical Campaign (UEC) is in no way linked to the event of the dinner hosted by Jeff Ooi on May 5, at the Red Rock Hotel, whereby allegations were made by bloggers and Utusan.
Both the conferences in Sibu and Kuala Lumpur were free from any of such incidents. Utusan also erroneously reported that there were 1,700 participants when in fact we had only 100 at the full day conference.
On behalf of the evangelical community in Malaysia, NECF Malaysia would encourage all to reject unfounded claims and stand together in upholding love, charity, compassion, righteousness and mutual respect seeking to contribute positively towards the development and well being of the nation as a whole.
We encourage Pastors and Leaders of the Malaysian Church to uphold our Penang Brethren in prayer and that the Lord's grace and mercies will continue to sustain their faith.
May the sovereign hand of God continue to bless our nation's leaders and this land of Malaysia.
Samuel Ang
Secretary-General,
NECF Malaysia
14.
May 19, 2011
To Pastors/Elders/Leaders
Shalom!
With the recent allegations on the issue of pledge, our NECF Chairman, Rev. Eu Hong Seng clarified the matter in his recent interview with GoodTimes, NECF dismisses pledge claims (GoodTimes 18/05/2011).
Please find this article in PDF for download to share with the Christian community.
God bless you.
Yours sincerely in Christ
Samuel Ang
Secretary-General
Good Times (http://www.goodtimes.my)
NECF dismisses pledge claims, 18 May 2011
by Gertrude Pereira
Petaling Jaya: The chairman of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng, has dismissed allegations that Christian leaders had formed a pact with the DAP to usurp Islam as the official religion of the country.
Saying that “those allegations are baseless,” he lamented on “our society’s recent preoccupation with conspiracies and pledges”.
He was commenting on media reports that Christian leaders had made a pledge to respect the position of Islam in the country after a lunch meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on 12 May.
“The meeting with the Prime Minister on 12th May 2011 was NOT about the Utusan issue (though this was discussed in passing). The meeting was a follow-up to point 9 of the 10-point solution and this was arranged even before the Utusan fiasco came into play.
“This was no secret meeting. Our PM himself stated openly that he will be meeting us,” he said in an interview with GoodTimes.my.
On 7 May, the Malay daily, Utusan Malaysia, front-paged a story based on two bloggers’ postings that pastors had taken a vow to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia and to install a Christian Prime Minister in an alleged conspiracy with the DAP.
The report triggered a storm of criticisms in cyberspace and when the Prime Minister’s scheduled meeting with Christian leaders on May 12 was reported, some media described the Christian leaders’ stand to respect Islam as a “pledge”.
Eu ... we did not go there to make or take some formal pledge
This created another uproar, now mainly among Christians, with some perceiving the Christian leaders’ stand as a compromise.
Eu clarified that the details of the 12 May meeting was not made known as it involved "easily misunderstood issues".
“The Prime Minister did say that he would highlight the issues as they are resolved and that he will meet with other religious groups as well, and this was reported in the front page of NST on May 13.
“What I would like to clarify is that we did not go there to make or take some formal pledge. Nor did the Prime Minister solicit any pledge from us,” he said.
“At the meeting itself, we discussed many issues concerning the Christian community, and how the Church can make meaningful contributions in nation building.
“And in the context of discussing unity in the nation and the worrisome trend of wild rants by some segments causing disharmony and the Utusan fiasco, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) chairman, Bishop Ng Moon Hing, basically reiterated the Christian stand of respecting the position of Islam, as stated in the constitution, and stressed the Church’s duty and desire to work with the government to maintain peace and harmony.
“Unfortunately, in some reports it appeared as though we did nothing but ‘pledge and pledge’ in Putrajaya and this has led to a flurry of insinuations and accusations.
“There was no need to make any pledge, as we have always respected the position of Islam,” he added.
“We keep saying to non-Christians ‘there was no pact, pledge or conspiracy, only a dinner’ held in the Red Rock hotel in Penang.
“Now we have to tell some Christians ‘there was no pledge other than our duty to do our part in maintaining harmony, only lunch and discussions on important issues which affect the Christian community’, in the Putrajaya luncheon.
“I hope we all can see the funny side to this episode. People seem so obsessed with pledges!” he said.
Eu hoped that the people would not add to the current controversy by continuing to draw conclusions based on unverified accounts and asked Christians to do the common sense thing, which was to verify the facts.
(End)
