Respect religion, stop false rumours

We must exercise tremendous restrain in seeking to use religion and race for political gain.

COMMENT

By Denison Jayasooria

While I respect differing views and the right of freedom of speech, however in recent times there have been some views that cross the line of objectivity and rationality especially in views pertaining to race and religion in Malaysian society

The recent article by Iskandar Dzulkarnain in Free Malaysia Today entitled “Beware! A Christian conspiracy. Really?” that makes reference to Zulkifli Noordin, Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Ridhuan Tee is an example of malicious deception, inaccuracy and irrational portrayal of Christians in Malaysia.

In a multi racial and religious society such stereotyping is a negative force and not in good taste. It is definitely not in line with the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s ideology of moderation and one of moving from tolerance towards acceptance and celebration.

This kind of writing does real damage to inter-religious harmony and breeds fear. Whatever their motives and insecurities it is of utmost importance that federal officials must monitor such wild accusations with in-depth investigation to present a counter analysis based on truth and make appreciate charges if any laws are violated

Christians comprise about 9.2% of the population, however the percentage is much higher in Sarawak (40%) and Sabah (30%) where a majority of Christian are from the bumiputera community and are predominately Malay language speakers.

Christianity has a long history in Malaysia and Christian institutions have major contributions to nation building in the provision of education, health care and community services.

Christians are also responsible citizens and have exercised their fundamental rights and responsibilities in politics, civil society and professional bodies.

One clear religious call is to pray for the nation, the King and national leaders

Irrational way of thinking

There is no need to try and respond to the various issues pertaining to the conspiracy and a master plan to turn Malaysia into a Christian state as claimed by Iskandar Dzulkarnain, other than saying that this is build on an irrational way of thinking and reasoning.

There is however an urgent need for Malaysians to reject these forms of blatant lies. In contrast public discussions must be built of facts and rational reasoning which can enhance community harmony and nation building.

The Federal Constitutions, the UN Human Rights Declaration and the Cairo declaration assure all Malaysians their fundamental right to religious freedom. We must exercise tremendous restrain in seeking to use religion and race for political gain.

I am proud to say that my family and I are Malaysians Christians and we have very close friends from all the major religions in Malaysia.

Along with other Christians in Malaysia we seek to be responsible citizens respecting people from all different backgrounds and traditions.

Let us build a nation not out of fear and insecurity but as one on confidence with all Malaysians. Let the moderate voices of respect and tolerance, drown the false speech of distracters of national harmony.

Dr Denison Jayasooria is the Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), former Suhakam commissioner and also secretary of Proham. The views expressed in this article are his views.