The Prime Minister's call on all quarters to calm down and stop exploiting the issue of a purported attempt to make Christianity the official religion of the country and his advise to avoid any religion-related debate to create tension among the people must be taken into serious consideration.
I believe no one should jump the gun by pointing fingers to one another and creating disunity among our multiracial society. We have been holding to our peace for more than 50 years; Don't ever loose it in the name of religion.
We should stand together and stop any situation that could cause polarisation among the people of our beloved country. Malaysia is for all Malaysians regardless of religion, race, language or colour. Do not let the effort of our Premier to take 1 Malaysia concept to a greater heights becomes null and void.
No doubt, touching on religious issues are so sensitive like “playing with fire” and we should be careful handling it. No point arguing matters that has been reported by media that quoted bloggers. That's a shame!
Utusan Malaysia had recently published on it's front page quoting two blogs which claimed that a meeting had taken place in Penang, attended by Christian leaders who want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia. However, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has dismissed the report as a fabrication.
The Malay daily was only been issued a letter of caution by the Home Ministry for its article 'Kristian Agama Rasmi? (Christianity the official religion?)' that was published on May 7 even though the ministry considered it as "alarming to the public" and an article which contradicted the Printing Presses and Publishing Act 1984.
The government should also come out with strict guidelines to make sure that the media does not play up sensitive religious issues that will propagate hatred among citizens and disrupt racial harmony. The press should take full responsibility over it's reports that are published.
I truly hope the police will make a fair and just investigation into the case that is in their jurisdiction now. The truth will prevail! While then, let all parties stay calm and not to be indulge in any controversies that would jeopardise racial harmony.
Christians in this country have been facing so many tough times – arson attacks on churches last year, slapped with the 'Allah issue', Malay Language Bibles confiscated and now facing allegations that Christian leaders want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia – but never ones they slammed the government by rioting or causing national tension.
No matter what, Christians for generations have been praying for the peace of our country and for the well-being of the rulers and national leaders according to the Holy Scripture. They have been always involved in social concern works and nation building projects.
At the moment, our nation is in the eyes of the world for some achievements we are making. We might be loosing our reputation in the global arena due to these senseless issues. Don't let our foolish arguments shy away global investors. We should be transformed in our mind sets before bringing transformation in our country's economy and other things.
PM said that Malaysia upholds the Constitution which means Islam is the official religion and other religions are free to be practised. This is among the important principles that have been the main pillars in the formation of Malaysia as a nation and cannot be questioned. Hope everybody understands it by respecting one another and abiding by the law.
Recently, PM had a fruitful meeting with Christian leaders. Prior to that, he also had a meeting with Islamic leaders and intellectuals. I believe that he and the government officials should have similar dialogues with other religious groups and non governmental organisations (NGO's) from time to time to enhance greater unity and brotherhood.
As peace loving citizens, let us continue to promote love and tolerance by rejecting the enemy of peace. UNITY is achievable if all Malaysians rise up to the occasion and show:
Unconditional love,No partiality,Interdependent,Trust one another andYearn to live in peace.
Kumarathevan Balakrishnan
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