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Reason and sobriety should prevail over intolerance and prejudice |
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Monday, 18 January 2010 |
APSOC Statement on the Church-Burning in Malaysia
The ethnically-diverse and multi-faith Malaysian society was jolted on January 8, 2010 with the news that arsonists firebombed at least three (3) Christian churches within and in the outlying areas of the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The church-burning incidents were unprecedented in Malaysia’s recent history that has occasionally been marred by episodes of ethnic and other tensions stemming from identity politics.
Many Malaysian observers, both Muslims and Christians alike believe that these unfortunate transgressions are linked to the anger and protests generated by the December 31 Kuala Lumpur High Court Ruling, allowing the use of the word “Allah” by a Catholic-run publication, and in effect, by Christians or non-Muslims.
Various sectors in Malaysia raised fears about a creeping danger of religious intolerance and the misuse of religious identity for political agenda that may spark anew racial and ethnic tensions and could spiral out of control. A number of Moslem scholars and clerics, decry the narrow-minded if not a bigoted mindset behind the outcry regarding the use of “Allah” by Christians. They pointed out that in Indonesia and Middle East, “Allah” is used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Muslims who refer to the same Almighty God.
We`are heartened however by the news that Malaysians are reaching out to each other, rising above their differences, mending broken fences and rebuilding linkages of good will and understanding. Muslim NGOs for instance have reportedly set up volunteer patrols around various Church-premises to ward off any attacks. Prominent Muslim and Christian figures have also publicly denounced the Church attacks and campaigned among Malaysians to contribute in rebuilding the damaged Churches. We are relieved and glad, that reason and sobriety continues to prevail over intolerance and prejudice, even in the wake of these worrisome incidents.
We, in the Asia-Pacific Solidarity Coalition (APSOC) join hands with the Malaysian people in their efforts to defend their multi-cultural and multi-racial society --and in continuing to celebrate and nurture its diversity, which is founded on goodwill, tolerance and mutual respect. We also join them together with the rest of the world in keeping watch that these building blocks of national unity and solidarity among Malaysian peoples will be nourished and strengthened and not squandered or threatened.. |
