As the Chinese New Year celebrations came to a close, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang has raised a poser on Malaysia's future, reflecting on messages from leaders in neighbouring Indonesia as the world's most populous Muslim nation.
In a statement yesterday, the octogenarian said Indonesia has proven to be one step ahead of Malaysia in giving a new meaning to the country's motto of unity in diversity that unites its population of billions through celebrations of ethnic, religious and cultural festivals.
Lim (above) noted that Indonesian President Joko Widodo had not only extended good wishes to the Chinese community but also wore the traditional Chinese attire for the Lunar New Year celebration in Indonesia.
"If our prime minister had worn the traditional Chinese attire for Chinese New Year, would he be accused of betraying the Malays in selling out to Chinese interests in Malaysia, or would he be commended for showing the way for world leaders to promote civilisational dialogue, understanding and harmony instead of civilisational conflicts?" asked the former Iskandar Puteri MP.
Aside from Joko, better known as Jokowi, Lim quoted messages from three other Indonesian ministers, including the republic's Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who said that Chinese New Year needs to be a momentum for self-introspection to evaluate the past and improve oneself.
"Has Malaysia anything to learn from Indonesia in promoting global civilisational understanding and harmony, instead of civilisational conflict?” Lim further asked.
"Malaysia is at the confluence of the four great civilisations of the world – Malay/Islamic, Chinese, Indian and Western – and Malaysians regardless of ethnicity, language, religion or culture must leverage on the values and virtues of the four great civilisations to rebuild a first-rate world-class country," he added.
This year, Chap Goh Meh - which marks the end of Chinese New Year - fell on the same day as the Hindu festival Thaipusam last Sunday, which was in honour of Lord Murugan's victory to vanquish an evil demon and restore well-being to humanity.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had extended a Thaipusam greeting but was notably absent from the annual celebration at the Batu Caves temple as he was unwell and had gone for a check-up at the National Heart Institute.
Last week, the Johor Islamic authority issued a fatwa prohibiting Muslims from attending and participating in religious rituals of other faiths in the state.
In response, the Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) welcomed the move, describing it as good guidance not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims to better understand the limits set by Islamic law, and thus be more sensitive when inviting their Muslim friends to festive events and celebrations. - Mkini
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