Christian Federation of Malaysia chairman Eu Hong Seng says it is an important first step towards restoring respect and trust.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) said an apology “is an important first step towards restoring respect and trust”.
“We urge all parties to receive it in that spirit,” CFM chairman Eu Hong Seng said in a statement.
But he also stressed that the government must ensure that the same principles and standards which apply to those who insulted Islam, are also applied when other religions and their adherents are similarly insulted or demeaned.
Eu said that all religions and their sacred beliefs should be accorded equal respect and protection under the law.
“Consistency in this regard is essential if we are to build a nation where all Malaysians are taught to respect one another’s faith and religious convictions,” he added.
Sepang Umno chief Noorazli Said drew brickbats over a “joke” he made in a speech at the Umno general assembly last Saturday. It revolved around a priest and a nun and hinged on a punchline erroneously attributed to a verse in Psalm 129.
The “joke” led to several police reports lodged against Noorazli and prompted Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh, Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak and Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau to demand that he apologise.
Noorzali apologised on Monday.
Eu said politicians must rise above derogatory, demeaning and inflammatory speech, and instead use their positions and platforms to promote mutual respect, understanding, peace and harmony among Malaysians.
Careless words, he said, could “divide and wound”, while wise words can build bridges and strengthen the bonds that hold our diverse society together.
“CFM urges all political leaders to choose the latter,” Eu said. - FMT
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