1. Malaysiakini （http://www.malaysiakini.com）
(1)Non-Muslim affairs ministry sought at PM-Christians meet, 4 January 2012
In his second luncheon with the Christian leaders since last May, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was today asked again to set up a ministry to handle the affairs of the non-Muslim community.
According to sources who attended the luncheon at Putrajaya, the proposal was made during an “animated” conversation.
“It was a cordial and an animated discussion,” said a Christian leader when contacted, adding that he would not reveal more about the private conversation.
The source added the event was attended by “about half of the cabinet” including Deputy Premier Muhyiddin Yassin, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Koh Tsu Koon and International Trade and Investment Minister Mustapa Muhamad.
Representing the churches were Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Reverend Eu Hong Seng, Bishop Thomas Tsen, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam (left in photo), Bishop Hwa Yung and Bishop Bolly Lapok.
The event was used by the leaders, who represented churches in the peninsular, and Sabah and Sarawak, to air frustrations over several issues faced by Christians last year.
These included red tape and apparent shifting of regulations faced by churches throughout the country.
The leaders also lamented that the nation’s leaders appeared out of touch with the community, particularly when they kept silent when the community was “attacked”.
They also aired disappointment over the government-owned media and those linked to the ruling coalition which have taken an adverse stance against the Christian community.
Najib was also reminded to respect the High Court’s decision on the use of the word “Allah” by the Christian publication, the Herald, and to use this to inform their policies and directives.
The meeting with Christian leaders comes scarcely a month after calls were made for Reverend Eu to be charged with sedition over his questioning on the implementation of Article 153.
In 2011, the community faced investigations for allegedly trying to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation, and allegedly proselytising to Muslims.
(2) Koh: Gov't to address concerns of Christians, 4 January 2012
The government will implement several measures to address the concerns of the Christian community, relating to the appointment of principals of mission schools, teaching of Bible knowledge as an examination subject and tax-exemption status for Christian organisations.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Koh Tsu Koon in a statement said that these issues were decided by the cabinet in a meeting held this morning.
He said these issues were also made known by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at a luncheon hosted by him at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya for leaders of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) today.
He said on the appointment of principals of mission schools, the Education Ministry would adhere to the practice of full engagement and consultation with the respective school boards concerned so that the principals appointed would be suitable and acceptable.
"On Bible knowledge as an examination subject for the SPM, it will be taught in schools after school hours, on request by parents. If no suitable teacher is available at the school concerned, then the pastor or priest from a nearby church can be recruited to conduct the class.
"On the tax-exemption status for donations to religious organisations as announced by the prime minister in the 2012 Budget speech, a proper procedure will be set up whereby donations to churches recognised and certified by the CFM will be given tax-exemption," he said.
The luncheon which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and 13 other cabinet ministers was held in a cordial atmosphere, he said.
Koh said, Najib in his Budget speech, gave due recognition to the tremendous contributions by the mission schools to the development of education in the country and the wish of mission schools which were owned by the churches to maintain their tradition and ethos.
He said Najib also reiterated the support given by the government to mission schools, including a total of RM240 million allocated over the past four years, including RM100 million under the 2012 Budget.
The CFM was represented by its chairman Bishop Ng Moon Hing, who is also head of the Anglican Church in West Malaysia.
Other leaders included Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur; Catholic Archbishop John Ha of Kuching; CFM vice-chairmen Reverend Eu Hong Seng - the chairman of the National Evangelical Council Fellowship (NECF); and Bishop Thomas Tsen - president of the Council of Churches of Malaysia; Bishop Bolly Lapok - president of the Association of Churches of Sarawak and head of the Anglican Church in Sarawak.
- Bernama
(3) Najib's meeting with Church leaders an eyewash, 6 January 2012
VOXPOP 'It is sad indeed to see some church leaders not passing a photo opportunity with the prime minister.'
Church leaders led round the bush again
Thinking: I sympathise with these Christian leaders. Which Malaysian citizen will dare to boycott an invitation from PM Najib Razak, as if he had a real choice to refuse?
Of course, they can show their displeasure and boycott the meeting but then the leaders and the Christian community will be demonised and further ostracised and persecuted.
It's like being caught between a rock and a hard place. I do believe these leaders already know what the outcome would be but they attended the lunch with the PM so as not to aggravate the already difficult situation further.
Anyway, the minds of most non-Muslims and non-Malays are already made up. Thanks to the Internet, we are now better informed and no longer fooled by the BN-controlled media.
Ruben: It is really sad to see our Church leaders grinning and smiling away over getting titbits from the government like:
1) Okay for mission schools on elections of heads of schools
2) Assurance on Bible Knowledge as a subject for SPM
3) Continuation of tax exemption status
If this is all the Church leaders wanted, then it is a big let down. Point 2 and 3 are given and should have never been an issue and as for point 1, I blame the church leaders themselves for letting the missions schools die without having a plan to continue running them independently.
For this, I tip my hat to the Methodist community for still actively running some excellent private schools.
As for the real issues confronting the Christians like the ongoing persecution of the Christians by fanatics who go on and on with the government keeping silent, why was that not brought up? Shame on you, Church leaders.
David Dass: Restoring mission schools to their past glory may no longer be possible. The missionaries trained their own teachers. They were stopped from doing so. Missionaries could come into the country on work permits. Work permits are no longer issued.
The principal and senior assistant were always Catholic or Christians. The principal had the right to admit Catholic students. That right was removed.
Catholics could once be instructed in their faith. That right has been removed. Catholic icons were an essential feature of these schools. Many schools were pressured to remove many of these icons.
In short, the Catholic character of these schools has been lost. Piecemeal reform will not help. Catholic missionaries should think carefully as to what is required before carrying on this charade of maintaining Catholic schools. Without autonomy, simply go private.
Open Minded: If Najib's 1Malaysia is anything to go by and have some significant value, then he should meet with all religious leaders on a day that is auspicious to the nation and try to promote religious tolerance and understanding among these pillars of religion in the country.
No religion is above or better than the rest, it is purely a human twisted perception. Instigation and suspicion only creates tension and animosity.
This individual meeting is an eyewash and perhaps a glory-seeking session for leaders on both sides with the cameras clicking and videos rolling.
Malaysiasakit: One by one, the institutions in this country come crumbling down - the latest being the church. It is sad indeed to see some church leaders not passing a photo opportunity with the PM.
Sodom Me Sodom You: All right-thinking Christians must vote for an alternative government. This sickening charade must end now. Don't dance with the devil any more, church leaders. When you least expect it, the devil is going to get you.
Only top Umno leaders my foes, says Anwar
Anonymous: We are with you, Anwar Ibrahim. Enough of the Umno-BN drama. Sarawak CM Abdul Taib Mahmud remains a free man despite all the corruption allegations, and yet the small fry are caught and roasted from head to foot.
Jaasman Torrezza: Mmmm, I still remember the many occasions Anwar spoke to us in closed-door meetings on the devious schemes the Chinese had in thwarting Malay economic progress.
I guess he was lying then and he is a born-again multi-racialist now. Well done Anwar, even if your salvation comes on your career's death-bed.
Jedi_Who: Yes, Anwar used to be like them. Hopefully, years of persecution by Umno and the suffering he has endured has changed him to a better person and he has given up his old ways.
He would have learned that many Malaysians of all creeds and races are better friends and allies than his evil Umno cohorts.
Gen2indian: I am a Hindu and my support is 100 percent with Anwar. Whatever your ‘crimes', it pales in comparison with the thieves and murderers currently leading the country.
I pray Pakatan Rakyat will at least be given a chance to lead the country just once. Judging from Penang and Selangor, Pakatan is at least cleaner and more transparent.
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda.
(4) Christian 'covert' task force targeting Malays, 6 January 2012
by Hazlan Zakaria
An elite highly covert task force which may be operating in and around Petaling Jaya and Kelana Jaya, has been set up by Christians with the aim of proselytising Selangor Malays, warned state executive council member in charge of Islamic religious affairs Hasan Ali.
Issuing this warning, Selangor state executive councillor in charge of Islamic religious affairs Hasan Ali. added:
"They (the Christians) found that Buddhists are easy to convert, Taoists are easy to convert and Confucians easy to convert.
"But they found Muslims, specifically Malays, difficult to convert.
"So they formed the special unit to convert the Selangor Malays to Christianity."
Hasan announced this before the congregation in the Al-Hassanah Mosque in Bangi last night.
Speaking on the panel of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) organised anti-apostasy forum held there, he reasoned that the special unit was the result of the animosity and warfare between Muslims and the crusaders during the holy crusades of the Middle Ages.
"It was left over from the crusades, the conflict between Christians and Muslims. They feel they need to recoup their loss, and are doing so by proselytising Muslims, who are largely Malays in Malaysia."
This special unit, Hasan said, was staffed by highly dedicated and committed Christian volunteers from around the globe who volunteered their time and effort to proselytise Malays.
"They come from Korea, from Australia, from Switzerland, from all over the world and volunteer to stay here for at least one year. Imagine that, one year away from their families, wives and jobs," he told the assembled Muslims.
The volunteers, he claimed, were well-qualified, many holding PhDs and masters in theological subjects and mundane disciplines such as engineering or medicine, assisted by a network of fellow missionaries across the country, and with access to unlimited funding and expertise in psychological tools for converting Muslims.
'We don't want negotiated Islam'
"Their philosophy for Malaysia is, you are Christian, but don't leave behind your Malay roots. You are Christians, don't leave behind wearing robes. You are Christian, don't leave behind wearing skullcaps. You are Christian, but don't leave behind mingling with Malays and Muslims," posited the Gombak Setia assemblyperson.
Hasan accused the Christians of using the concept to recruit, proselytise and leave in place cadres of converted Muslims who, he claimed, were prevalent all over Selangor, even in Bangi, hiding in plain sight under the veil of Malay-ness, despite their conversion.
Against such a threat, he said, the Malays were nearly helpless. As at present, the Muslims themselves were dangerously shallow in their knowledge of Islamic practice and faith.
Hasan also blamed any a lack of interest in Islam among the youths on parents, who he said did not inculcate religious teachings in their children.
To a query, he replied that it wa not that Islamic religious leaders were not doing enough, but that the people did not listen to them and did not cooperate well enough with religious agencies such as Jais and Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais).
"The greatest challenge to us now is not the global economic meltdown nor the volcanic eruptions in neighbouring countries, but to go against the faith," warned Hasan, urging Muslims to fortify themselves, using mosques as strongholds, to strengthen their faith and knowledge against "the very real challenge from the Christians".
"Find a movement that places Islam at the helm, not other movements. This is the one true and straight road, the path of Islamic law, the path of good conduct, the road to faith.
"We don't want a negotiated Islam. To me Islam is non-negotiable. That is what must be done and shall be done. Insya Allah (God willing)," Hasan said.
'Liberalism a threat to Islam'
Another speaker at the forum saw another solution to the matter.
This was in the way of a call for public support for the enforcement of the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment, 1988.
This call was made by deputy chief of the Syariah section of the Attorney-General chambers, Mahamad Naser Disa, who lamented obstacles to the implementation of this law because of what he termed as "a wave of "liberalism".
"Liberalism has become a threat to the Islamic faith... this wave of liberalism paralysed Islamic authorities during the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) controversy, Seksualiti Merdeka outrage and legal challenges on behalf of Muslim apostates," Mahamad Naser said.
"We have good laws to protect Islam, but the problem is enforcement," he said, and he went on to accuse Selangor assemblypersons and MPs of opposing the law, which was promulgated in 1988 but never enforced.
"When politics dictates everything, then even defending the faith becomes problematic," he lamented, adding that the liberals wanted to strip Islamic laws from the land in the name of democratic freedom.
Mahamad Naser said he himself became involved on the second day of the DUMB fracas. He denied any attempt at interference, but said that he just wanted it to be test case on the enforcement of the enactment, which had never been tested in court or enforced before in Selangor.
However , he blamed it all on the influence of the wave of liberalism as well as the inexperienced handling of the case by Jais officials for the politicians' decision not to charge those involved.
"The evidence was clear, provisions under the enactment present, but because the case was sensationalised by the press and Internet portals, and because of political intervention, no charges were filed," Mahamad Naser said.
(5) Bishop fears Hasan is upping the ante, 6 January 2012
by Terence Netto
Catholic Bishop Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing says Selangor state exco member in charge of Islamic affairs, Hasan Ali, is taking his “campaign of McCarthyism against the bogey of Christian proselytising of Muslims to heights that make a mockery of those lunch meetings between the prime minister and church leaders”.
The bishop, who is head of the Catholic Church in the Malacca-Johor diocese, said: “I must say the irony here is exquisite. Just as Christian leaders emerge from what was supposedly a convivial meeting with the prime minister, you have this religious charlatan publicly declaiming on a threat that so far, at least, exists only in the fevered imagination of a few.”
Speaking to Malaysiakini in response to the latest reports of Hasan’s claims of Christian proselytising of Muslims, Bishop Paul Tan added:
“As usual, Hasan adduces no proof, supplies no substantiation for what he says - it’s just allegations, aspersions and base canards against assorted Christian groups who he says are out to proselytise Muslims.”
The Jesuit-trained prelate, who is also president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, said the overall effect of these tirades by Hasan would portray Christians in the eyes of Muslims as a sinister and conspiratorial presence in this country.
“On the one hand, you have the prime minister, accompanied by a sizeable ministerial cohort, meeting up with Christian leaders to allay their concerns; on the other hand, you have a religious charlatan going round spewing stuff that erodes the very basis of good relations between Muslims and Christians, ” remarked Bishop Paul Tan.
Self-willed deception
He said Hasan was unconstrained in taking “his campaign of McCarthyism to heights that make a mockery of those lunch meetings between the prime minister and church leaders.”
Joseph McCarthy was the United States senator who launched an infamous witch-hunt against communists he claimed were in high positions in the US government in the early 1950s, a campaign of innuendo and insinuation that ruined and blighted individual careers and reputations on a vast scale.
Since then the word “McCarthyism” has entered the English language as a pejorative term for hysterical witch-hunts.
Referring to Hasan, Bishop Paul Tan queried, “Seriously, if there is this one person who is allowed the run of the place with his campaign of innuendo and insinuation against Christians, what good can come of discussions at ministerial level to assuage Muslim-Christian tensions?”
“The way he carries on makes talks at the highest level on the Muslim-Christian relationship a version of what Marxists call ‘false consciousness’ - self-willed deception as to what is really going on in society,” commented the bishop.
(6) Yesterday a kingmaker, today start a holy war, 7 JanUARY 2012
YOURSAY 'Another case of the solar-powered Bible and the Christians disguised as imams preaching to the faithfuls in the mosques.'
Christian 'covert' task force targeting Malays
Trumpet Call: This allegation of the existence of a high-powered Christian task force, which appears to be international in its composition, is another scare tactic that former PAS Selangor commissioner Hasan Ali is using to galvanise the Muslims in Malaysia.
If what he says is true then it would improve his diminishing credibility to be more specific with some details possibly names so that we can be convinced that it is not another fictitious strategy by Christians to proselytise the Muslims.
If no proof is forthcoming, then this wild allegation must be consigned to the rubbish bin as was the case of the solar-powered Bible, the use of community services to convert and the Christians disguised as imams preaching to the faithfuls in the mosques.
These fanatical lunatics are getting more and more ludicrous and their allegations are getting more laughable.
Swkdayaks: Religious leaders should lead by example. If leaders preach hatred against others or against people of other faiths, such leaders cannot be leaders.
If leaders lead by good example, surely and naturally, others will follow or will be attracted to them or to what they preached. If leaders are greedy, corrupt, abuse their power and are arrogant, who would want to follow them or accept what they preached?
Come on Hasan Ali, you are not a small kid. You are supposed to be a motivator. If you are complaining of Muslims not following what you preached, then something is not right with you. Nobody rejects what is good and beneficial to them. Simple logic.
CiViC: My goodness, what is wrong with these people? It seems everyone is at fault, everyone is wrong, it's even the fault of the people for being "shallow" in Islamic knowledge?
What war? What conflicts between Muslims and Christians? What the hell is Selangor exco member Hasan Ali trying to provoke?
And all this while Islam is the one "recruiting" and making it mandatory for some to embrace Islam whether they like it or not, whether they are Christians, Hindu or any other? Please stop playing this dangerous game and stop provoking racial/religious sentiments.
If the Christian community has been quiet all these while, it doesn't mean they are guilty of what had been accused of them and it doesn't mean they can be easily bullied.
Geronimo: This gasbag never fails to amuse me. Before this, it was the solar-operated Bible and now foreigners conducting covert operations in Malaysia to convert Malay Muslims? How far-fetched can you get?
After this, I would not altogether be surprised that he will say Martians have landed to convert Muslims to Christianity. Aiyoh-yoh, please lah.
Marvin: Religious faith is a personal matter, why do you view conversion as the end of the world to a certain race?
Nil: Malays and Muslims cannot change their religion, so Christians trying to convert them are wasting their time. From Christianity's point of view, it is God who converts [via His Grace in Jesus Christ] and when that happens, you cannot do anything about it.
Ashoka PJ: Hasan Ali, just provide at least two examples, otherwise I would urge the Christian community to make police reports.
Someone must charge him and claim millions in damages. That should set him right. And nobody actually believes him any more so he can drive himself crazy over his evil hallucinations of proletysing.
Veritas et Aeuqtias: It should be obvious to all and sundry that this pathetic person has an inferiority complex when it comes to Christianity. Is this the mark a true leader? Kick him out, PAS.
Anonymous: Yesterday, he wanted to be a kingmaker. Today, he wants to start a holy war. This guy is mad. Ignore him.
Malaysiakini should stop giving him coverage. He is making all sorts of ridiculous statements for publicity and hopefully get some naive kampong folks to support his idiotic claims.
Up2U: Buddhists, Taoists and Confucians are easy to convert because we believe that the faith is between oneself and God Almighty. If one's faith is so shallow and he converts to another religion (Christianity or Islam), it's for him to decide.
We do not have a law to say you cannot do that. As Muslims, specifically Malays, are not allowed to convert, why are you so concerned? Hasan Ali, you are nothing but a joke and an embarrassing one.
YF: What is liberalism? A liberal is one who does not hold strongly to the teachings of a faith but provides an alternative view.
Does not Islam preach against racism, coercion in faith, fitnah and corruption? Yet Hasan Ali and his kind hold a liberal stand on these issues that are infecting the ummah in droves but drums up anti-Christian rhetorics instead.
Why? Isn't it obvious this is all done for political reasons rather than for the upholding of Islamic values? So stop the hypocrisy.
PAS needs to be more vocal on this to counter these liberals like Hasan Ali. They are a disease that will weaken PAS into becoming an un-Islamic party bent on practising un-Islamic values such as racism, fitnah and corruption like Umno is today.
It's time for PAS to wake up and fill that void.
The Real Duke: He is the new Saladin... fighting against the crusaders...
Paul Warren: There is one thing that we can all conclude of Hasan Ali's assumptions about his own race and his own religion. Obviously since he assumes a certain vulnerability, he assumes the Malay Muslim is a weak and vulnerable race easily led astray by anyone coming around telling them stories.
Of what value such an assumption serves him is really something worth pondering over. But his failure to acknowledge the Malay Muslim community as a whole, not just in Malaysia, but also those who have moved out of it.
The South African Cape Malays, Sri Lankan Malays and the more recent migrants to Western countries - they have all kept the faith. Maybe not the language or their food. But certainly they do recognise themselves as Malays and count themselves such.
Sure, there are those who have converted out. Many secretly. But how many? Is it really significant?
49boybum: The tactics employed by the current crop of selfish leaders are that they exploit the Malays by falsely highlighting that the Malays are weak in everything.
To the contrary, I think the Malays are smart, generous and a very progressive community if given the opportunity and freedom to do what they want. Unfortunately these selfish leaders keep Malays subdued by depriving everything that are essential so as to ensure relevance and continuity of their leadership.
The Malays now know that all these unfounded statements are attempts to secure brownie points to show relevance as so-called leaders. Malays now want leaders who are sincere and have a clear vision in progressing the nation and not regressing it.
Unfortunately, these types of leaders lack these abilities and therefore they harp on irrelevant issues that will not put food on the table for the common people. When all our neighbours are forging ahead, we are standing still. It's really time for a change.
David Dass: Christian charities and schools are abound in the Muslim world. Christian charities account for a substantial amount of aid work in the world. Christians are required to look after their fellow man without regard to his faith or politics. Jesus himself told the story of the good Samaritan.
Hasan asks Malays to reject the evidence of their eyes and their experience. It is unbelievable that men like Hasan and Ibrahim Ali can command so much space and their views so much currency. People like Hasan compel otherwise quiet and dignified priests like Bishop Paul Tan to speak out.
The voices of our leaders remain mute. All seem afraid to contradict the zealots, lest they seem less resolute in their faith.
Has it come to this? That you can only be a good Muslim if you are in jihad mode - railing and ranting at non-existent Christian crusaders riding white horses with crosses on their backs?
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda.
(7) Jais has talking Bible in its possession, says Hasan Ali, 7 January 2012
by Darwish Zainal
The Selangor Religious Department (Jais) has evidence of the ‘talking Bible’ - allegedly used for proselytising to Muslims - in their possession, said Selangor exco member Hasan Ali.
When asked if any action is being taken based on this evidence, the exco member in charge of Islamic religious affairs refused to elaborate further.
“The evidence is in Jais’ possession. So far there is no action yet.
“It’s the same as in the DUMC case, we have not decided on any action yet,” said Hasan (left) at a press conference after a Himpun rally in Seremban today.
“But the important evidence here is the admission of the people who are involved in proselytising.
“I have to submit the evidence from the people affected, but I’m not sure if I will succeed or not as these people are reluctant to come forward and admit it openly,” said Hasan.
However, he did not entertain further questions on his earlier claims that Christians had infiltrated mosques in jubah (robes) in order to get close to Muslims to convert them.
The controversial exco member left the scene abruptly before Malaysiakini could finish the question.
‘Facebook fuelling apostasy’
Later at the same press conference, Malaysiakini asked the Himpun officials to provide the evidence and facts that they promised the media during their press conference last week in Seremban.
Himpun chairperson Azmi Abdul Hamid replied that proselytising is happening not only in Selangor or Negri Sembilan alone, but in other states as well.
“In Penang it has been recorded that 686 Muslims wanted to become apostates.
“We are in the process of documenting all the evidence. The latest trend of apostasy among young Malay girls is a result of networking through Facebook.
“They are attracted to non-Muslims and eventually fall in love with them. This leads them to commit apostasy.
“The Lina Joy case is a clear-cut apostasy case but there was no prosecution,” said Azmi.
Among others who spoke at the anti-apostasy rally were former Negri Sembilan mufti Murtadza Ahmad and Himpun deputy chairperson Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.
2. Malaysian Insider (http://www.themalaysianinsider.com)
(1) Hasan Ali wants meeting with Christian leaders and victims of apostasy, 7 January 2012
by Clara Chooi
SEREMBAN, Jan 7 — PAS leader Datuk Dr Hasan Ali is planning a meeting with Christian leaders and “victims of apostasy” to prove the existence of a movement to convert Muslims, Sinar Harian reported today.
Claiming apostasy in Malaysia has become a serious concern, Dr Hasan said such a meeting was necessary to resolve the problem as soon as possible.
“If they (apostates) agree to meet with these priests and religious leaders, a closed-door meeting will be held to prove the existence of a movement to convert Muslims.
“I want Christian leaders, religious scholars, muftis and intellectuals to hear from the mouths of these apostates themselves, the mouths of those who have embraced Christianity, as proof that they have been ensnared in the religion and these conversion attempts,” the daily quoted Dr Hasan as saying during the Himpunan Sejuta Umat (Gathering of a Million Faithful) meet at Negeri Sembilan’s closed-door stadium in Paroi here.
Dr Hasan however noted he was yet to obtain the permissions of the converts to hold the meeting.
“This is because they are afraid to come forward as they fear the risk, threats from the community, their safety and they fear insults from others,” he explained.
“It all depends on whether they are able to accept this meeting,” he added, said Sinar Harian.
Dr Hasan said the effort to hold such a meeting was following claims on several websites that proselytisation activities do not exist in Malaysia.
He claimed to have “concrete evidence” in the form of documents from the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to proof the existence of proselytisation here.
But the best proof would be from those willing to come forward with their stories, he said.
According to the daily, the “Unit Selamatkan Akidah” was formed by Dr Hasan in Selangor after 46 of 51 “victims of apostasy” approached him for help to return to Islam.
In a separate article today, Sinar Harian also reported that there have been 686 conversion applications from Muslims in Malaysia to date.
Himpun chairman Azmi Abd Hamid was quoted as confirming the information as true, claiming to have obtained the figures from the Syariah Court.
(2) Najib’s Christmas luncheon, 7 January 2012
by Tay Tian Yan
JAN 7 — For the past two years, Prime Minister Najib has had Christmas luncheons with Christian leaders.
In a country dominated by the Muslims, such a Christmas luncheon does carry some significance.
Getting so much used to the daily nasi lemak and nasi kandar, a roast turkey on Christmas Day should serve as a refreshing respite.
Such an event also offers an additional channel for people embracing different religions and cultures to mingle in harmony.
In the Christmas luncheon in 2010, an overly “avid” aide of Najib requested on his own accord that the church refrain from displaying the cross and other religious symbols during the luncheon.
The aide was definitely not a religious fanatic, he himself not even a Muslim, but he took things in his own hands for fear the PM’s lunch meet with church leaders would develop into a negative issue in the conservative Muslim society.
A storm was already in the making even before lunch was actually served.
Indeed, the lunch was quite enjoyable while the PM did deliver some truly positive remarks, although no positive spinoffs have been seen after that.
On the contrary, religious controversies continued to deepen over the past one year, and in many cases organisations like Perkasa, Utusan and JAIS have made Christians the targets of their repeated outcries.
Perkasa has singled out Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng; Utusan accused the opposition of collaborating with the church, while JAIS hit straight at the church, claiming it had maliciously attempted to convert Muslims.
The dust has yet to settle on the “Allah” controversy, and along with the Education Ministry not honouring its covenant with the church, inter-faith atmosphere has only headed downhill throughout the past one year.
Sure enough, not all these incidents could be attributed to the government. However, government leaders should not stay mum nor stay clear of such issues, as this would only embolden the irresponsible quarters.
It is essential that the government hold fast to its moderate stand in a bid to preserve religious harmony in the country and defend the rights of the minority.
No serious hiccups in last year’s Christmas luncheon, though. Other than the usual goodwill talks, Najib also came with pledges that the government would first consult the church before sending principals to mission schools, allowing Bible study classes in schools and tax exemption for church donations, among others.
That was a step in the right direction, but there is still much room for improvement.
Prejudices and contradictions could never be resolved merely by taking away some of the administrative hurdles. Christians, Catholics, Buddhists and Hindus are today facing a much bigger question of religious freedom and equality, including the freedom to build houses of worship under reasonable circumstances and conduct religious classes in schools.
They also hope no one would see them as potential threats, hitting out at them from time to time in a bid to advance their own motives.
This is the message that should be conveyed to all during the Christmas luncheon. — mysinchew.com
・This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
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