The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
Vatican visit to break new ground, 13 July 2011
WHEN Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak calls on Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, it will not just be to ex-change greetings and talk about unfolding events around the world.
By the time they bid their goodbyes, the Prime Minister would have left an indelible mark at Castel Gandolfo, the scenic summer residence of the Pope.
Najib will arrive with a special message for the 265th Pope – that Malaysia, after years of pondering, has made a firm decision to establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
There cannot be a better opportunity, and at a more appropriate juncture, for the Malaysian leader to highlight the country as one that embodies the principles of inter-religious harmony and respectful co-existence.
The Prime Minister and the pontiff, the worldwide leader of the Roman Catholic Church, will certainly underscore the need to promote collaboration and dialogue between various religious groups.
Najib will likely convey the Malaysian Government’s desire to pursue constructive political dialogue with the Vatican, which maintains diplomatic relations with 178 countries.
The Holy See has permanent observer status with all the rights of a full member except for a vote in the UN General Assembly, and has the oldest active continuous diplomatic service in the world.
In its efforts to build bridges with the world, the Government’s move to break new ground and establish relations with the Vatican is indeed a significant leap forward.
It is pertinent because the universal understanding of multi-religious facets is very important. Pertinent because Islam and the West is now a permanent topic for dialogue with issues seen through various keyholes.
“The Vatican has also been wanting to engage with Malaysia which it recognises as a moderate Muslim nation made up of various ethnic groups,’’ said a senior Malaysian diplomatic official involved in the behind-the-scenes work with the Vatican.
It will be an especially proud moment for the Catholic community in Malaysia that makes up the largest group of Christians in the country (about 9% of Malaysia’s 28 million people are Christian, with Catholics numbering about 850,000), but the tie-up with the Vatican should be welcomed by all Malaysians as it will reinforce Malaysia’s image as a moderate Muslim nation in the international community.
Najib caught attention in New York last September when he called for the formation of a Global Move-ment of the Moderates, saying that it was important for moderates to take centre stage.
By venturing and forging that important link with the Vatican, the Prime Minister would have indeed matched words with deeds.
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