Ramon: Return of bibles is proof of ‘wasatiyyah’

Ramon Navaratnam appeals to all parties to celebrate with thanks, the return of the Holy Bibles to Christians.

PETALING JAYA: Prominent public figure Ramon Navaratnam has hailed the return of the 351 Malay- and Iban-language bibles to their rightful owners as proof that the principle of “wasatiyyah” or moderation was becoming a part of the Malaysian way of life.

In a statement to FMT, Ramon said, “We pray that religious understanding and ‘wasatiyyah’ will prevail always, in the interest of peace, harmony and progress in our beloved country.”

Ramon, who is Chairman of the Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies also thanked the Sultan of Selangor for his wisdom and Menteri Besar Azmin Ali for successfully securing the return of the bibles after months of heated debate among political leaders, Islamic religious bodies and the public.

Saying that what Malaysia needed more of now was much greater mutual respect for each other’s religions and cultures, Ramon added, “Let us from now show more compassion, try our best to forget past trials and resolve to practise all our great principles of peace, love and justice to humankind.”

The former deputy secretary-general of the finance ministry also said that going forward, it was imperative that Malaysians learnt from past mistakes and instituted “proper standard operating procedures” that were acceptable to all parties, especially when dealing with “inter-religious” issues.

He also suggested that more inter-faith dialogues that promoted the spirit of love for our neighbours, be organised.

Reiterating the need to uphold the principle of wasatiyyah at all times, Ramon said, “I sincerely hope that all our leaders will exercise greater care to avoid any policies and actions that will tarnish the beauty and sanctity of our religions as well as the national spirit of wasatiyyah and charity to our Malaysian brothers and sisters, of whatever race and religion.”

A Selangorian and Christian himself, Ramon also expressed his “deep relief” that the holy books seized by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais) in January because it contained the word “Allah”, had “finally been returned to their rightful owners.”

Saying that all Malaysians should work towards projecting the rich sacredness of their respective religions, he ended his statement with the solemn wish, “May God bless Malaysian harmony and unity.”