Reading the latest happenings about our country is a pain for many of us. Seeing the kind of filth BN politicians churning day in and day out makes you think that Malaysia is in a state of anarchy.
Would anyone disagree? Politically, economically and socially our nation is sinking lower and it seems we are reaching the point of no return.
We were considered to be a model country at one time but today we are on the way to become the “Next Sick Man of Asia” or the next Somalia.
Can we re-claim our country from these corrupt and good for nothing BN politicians? I say we have too. And we need too.
And we need to do it this coming GE13. Personally, I have 7 good reasons to kick BN out of Putrajaya come GE13:-
1) When BN is voted out you vote out people like Ibrahim Ali, Dr M, Perkasa and the likes. When you vote these people out you too vote out extremism, racism and bigotry from our nation. This is something we need to do as the current regime under Najib has failed to reprimand these racist politicians. In fact, Najib and his crony has been giving tacit support and approval by giving some of the most ridiculous statements in our nations history. Let us remember that “Perkasa adalah Perkakas UMNO” (Perkasa is UMNO's tool).
2) When you vote BN out you vote against corruption. This is a curse our nation has to endure since money politics has become so entrenched in our system. Every contract and business awarded has to be accompanied by a certain cut or percentage for those who walk in the corridors of power. Heard of the 10% men and his allegedly Maika shares? Of course, you have the BMF scandal, Perwaja and the latest PKFZ issue which is the hottest topic today but the current BN government seems to be dragging its feet to take those responsible to court. Why??? We can never expect BN to provide us with good governance as this is such an alien word to this bunch of crooks.
3) When you vote BN out you vote for all that stands for freedom and justice. What justice can a man on the street find for himself whenever his NCR land is taken over by BN cronies? What good is freedom if tomorrow he gets up to find his son has been gun down by the police in the wee hours of the morning? We not only need a dedicated and corrupt free cops/courts but also cops/courts who are able to perform their duty without fear or favor!
4) Vote BN out and you vote out an education system that supports mediocrity and second or third best. Look at our education system which is tainted with racism in the form of Biro Tata Negara (BTN) & quota system for university entry etc. If you look at our schools these days we will not fail to see how the standard has dropped from, let’s say 15-20 years ago to today. Our teachers are not equipped to teach English well and this is causing our future graduates to suffer in the employment market. Yet, BN leaders especially the Education Minister has been giving us excuses after excuses till today and the young ones are the most affected. So, why keep these incompetent BN ministers in power? Get rid of them to redeem our education system NOW!
5) When you vote BN out you vote against the likes of Utusan, The Star, TV3 and many other mainstream media which has been controlled, manipulated and shackled by the powers that be. These newspapers especially Utusan has been spewing lies after lies and are still doing so as their political masters are the ones dictating to them what should be the menu of the week. Responsible journalism is such a foreign word to this big time corporate liars. Their recent report on the Christian state and PM is a case in point! They must be stop at all cost and we are the ones who will do it by bringing down BN in the next GE13.
6) Under BN rule Malaysia is facing a serious brain drain in the last few years. The major factors are the lethargic country's economy, educational opportunities, lack of religious freedom, social inequality and BN's affirmative policy in the form of NEP. These factors has made many young Malaysians fed-up with the current state of affairs and this has brought about the a wave of brain drain which is already affecting our economy today. The best brains in our country feels they are not being appreciated and welcomed as most of them are not of the Bumiputera group. Between 2008 & 2009 a total of 300,000 Malaysians has emigrated overseas just after the 2008 tsunami election. We need to put a stop to this brain drain and the starting point is to get rid of BN and vote in a government which is more inclusive and fair in its administration.
7) When we vote BN out, we vote for a better livelihood for all. And I mean for all and not just for the selected few cronies or the elites. Since the Asian Financial Crisis and Anwar's sacking in the late 1990's our ecomony has never really prospered well. The BN government is planning for another round of petrol price hike come this June 2011. And Najib has the gall to say that subsidy has become an opium to the masses. Little did he realise that corruption and money politics in his own party UMNO is the real opium and the root of all evil!
And the list goes on. I'm very sure sure you have your own reason/s not to vote BN this time around. Do add in and see how long the list goes.
I'm convinced that for our country to move forward we need to put BN in its right place which is OUT of Putrajaya. As of now, I can only imagine Pakatan Rakyat as the only viable party to take over this government.
I have made my decision. How about you?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
UMNO fiddles while Malaysia Burns!
Waking up two mornings ago to hear Utusan ranting about a group of Christian leaders were praying to change this country to a Christian state with a Christian PM was almost laughable.
Not that a Christian PM is impossible if you go by the provisions in the constitution but a Christian state? They've got to be joking. Or so it seems!
UMNO got to be worried sick that all it's propaganda and maneuvering were not working but it's backfiring them instead. From Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy 2 trial and the so-called sex video seems to be falling on deaf ears and the rakyat don't seem to buying into that and rightly so!
Then, they train their guns on PAS and almost in a begging stance to join them under the pretext of Islamic struggle. UMNO went on to alleged that their partnership with DAP will not get them anywhere coz after all DAP was against the setting up of an Islamic state by PAS.
"So, why stay on with DAP/PR" asked Najib? Their wooing and begging has been derided by PAS as Mahfuz Omar succintly puts it "How can PAS unite with Umno when it is Umno that is oppressing Malaysian citizens?” he argued."
He went on to condemed UMNO as Public Enemy # 1 and they are the worst "national robbers" we have ever seen. This definitly is a tight slap for Najib as the UMNO President has himself extended the invite to PAS themselves. For the record, UMNO has extended 8 invitations to PAS to form a unity government so far!
Not wanting to let go as most UMNO leaders are (even the retired ones) Pembela came up with a statement alleging that Islam is under threat in Malaysia because of Christians now. That a majority population (60%) can feel and be threatened by merely a 10 % of the population is mind boggling to start with.
Their argument was since Christians are being appointed in some non-Muslim affairs portfolio and are still confused by the Allah & Al-Kitab issue will lead to massive apostasy in this country.
Now let us be clear on this. If the Muslim population is confused by all this then the onus is on them to educate and clear any misgivings which they have and NOT to make a scapegoat of others. This is a simple common sense but instead this issue has been turned by UMNO-BN to propagate fear and to further sow their inferioity complex on the majority population of this country.
The Quran first revealed word is "Read" which implies knowledge seeking and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. But here we see Pembela wants Muslims in this country to remain in their ignorance so that the powers that be can control and direct the minds of the Malays according to their whims and fancies!
Then, this sets the stage a few days later for UMNO mouthpiece Utusan to shock the nation that indeed Islam is under threat as Christians are taking over this country. The plot thickens when Utusan alleges that Christians are praying for a Christian PM and and to change the religion of the federation from Islam to Christian.
What nonsense? How far will UMNO go to ensure it wins the next GE13? Are they willing to stoop this low by coming up with such wild allegations without an ounce of truth or evidence. But of course, UMNO-BN has never been concerned with TRUTH since their formation in 1940/50's.
Is it a sign that they are very desparate and willing to go as far as to burn Malaysia down as long as the UMNO-BN is in power. If it is then they have lost their moral right to be leaders of this country. It is truly dangerous to be led by this kind of immoral and unscropulous leaders who are bent on doing anything just so their status quo remains.
The wedge UMNO is trying to drive between Pakatan partners has not been effective enough. Indeed, many are able to see their dangerous game that UMNO is playing with. Let me reiterate that UMNO will not give up playing with this kind of fire. It won't as long as their position as the number one party in this country is so threatened today.
The real party who feels threatend is not the Muslims as many thinking Muslims has said but UMNO themselves. UMNO are the ones who is fiddling with many unnesasary issues for their own survival while Malaysia burns!
Let's bring them down once and for all for the good of this nation in the next GE13!
Let's Press On!!!
Not that a Christian PM is impossible if you go by the provisions in the constitution but a Christian state? They've got to be joking. Or so it seems!
UMNO got to be worried sick that all it's propaganda and maneuvering were not working but it's backfiring them instead. From Anwar Ibrahim Sodomy 2 trial and the so-called sex video seems to be falling on deaf ears and the rakyat don't seem to buying into that and rightly so!
Then, they train their guns on PAS and almost in a begging stance to join them under the pretext of Islamic struggle. UMNO went on to alleged that their partnership with DAP will not get them anywhere coz after all DAP was against the setting up of an Islamic state by PAS.
"So, why stay on with DAP/PR" asked Najib? Their wooing and begging has been derided by PAS as Mahfuz Omar succintly puts it "How can PAS unite with Umno when it is Umno that is oppressing Malaysian citizens?” he argued."
He went on to condemed UMNO as Public Enemy # 1 and they are the worst "national robbers" we have ever seen. This definitly is a tight slap for Najib as the UMNO President has himself extended the invite to PAS themselves. For the record, UMNO has extended 8 invitations to PAS to form a unity government so far!
Not wanting to let go as most UMNO leaders are (even the retired ones) Pembela came up with a statement alleging that Islam is under threat in Malaysia because of Christians now. That a majority population (60%) can feel and be threatened by merely a 10 % of the population is mind boggling to start with.
Their argument was since Christians are being appointed in some non-Muslim affairs portfolio and are still confused by the Allah & Al-Kitab issue will lead to massive apostasy in this country.
Now let us be clear on this. If the Muslim population is confused by all this then the onus is on them to educate and clear any misgivings which they have and NOT to make a scapegoat of others. This is a simple common sense but instead this issue has been turned by UMNO-BN to propagate fear and to further sow their inferioity complex on the majority population of this country.
The Quran first revealed word is "Read" which implies knowledge seeking and the ability to distinguish right from wrong. But here we see Pembela wants Muslims in this country to remain in their ignorance so that the powers that be can control and direct the minds of the Malays according to their whims and fancies!
Then, this sets the stage a few days later for UMNO mouthpiece Utusan to shock the nation that indeed Islam is under threat as Christians are taking over this country. The plot thickens when Utusan alleges that Christians are praying for a Christian PM and and to change the religion of the federation from Islam to Christian.
What nonsense? How far will UMNO go to ensure it wins the next GE13? Are they willing to stoop this low by coming up with such wild allegations without an ounce of truth or evidence. But of course, UMNO-BN has never been concerned with TRUTH since their formation in 1940/50's.
Is it a sign that they are very desparate and willing to go as far as to burn Malaysia down as long as the UMNO-BN is in power. If it is then they have lost their moral right to be leaders of this country. It is truly dangerous to be led by this kind of immoral and unscropulous leaders who are bent on doing anything just so their status quo remains.
The wedge UMNO is trying to drive between Pakatan partners has not been effective enough. Indeed, many are able to see their dangerous game that UMNO is playing with. Let me reiterate that UMNO will not give up playing with this kind of fire. It won't as long as their position as the number one party in this country is so threatened today.
The real party who feels threatend is not the Muslims as many thinking Muslims has said but UMNO themselves. UMNO are the ones who is fiddling with many unnesasary issues for their own survival while Malaysia burns!
Let's bring them down once and for all for the good of this nation in the next GE13!
Let's Press On!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Christians of Sarawak, be a Catalyst of Change!
by Martin Jalleh
Christians of Sarawak, your hour has come! May you have the courage to respond to the clarion call of leading the charge of change in your State and country.
May your vote convince the PM that the religious freedom of Christians and other faiths cannot rest merely on his sudden goodwill conveyed at cordial, congenial and courteous close-door meetings.
May your choice reflect the earnest prayer of Christians that the government honor and respect our basic constitutional rights, and not subject them to changes according to political expediency of the moment.
May your courage bring to the fore the problems related to religious harmony which the BN Government has created or is complicit to, its conceited responses and ad-hoc solutions which contradict its very own policies!
The challenge before you goes far beyond that of the recent Bible controversy. It is to express distinctly to the PM the deep disappointment and discontent of Christians being discriminated against over the years.
May you covey very clearly to the PM the concern and consternation of Christians of being made victims of the frequent contravention (with impunity) of the constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
May you echo the growing anguish and anger of Christians who refuse to be cowed by the constant taunts, threats and tirades of “Little Mullah Napoleons” in Umno, Perkasa, Pembela, the Home Ministry, etc.
May yours be a conscious stand against those who are a cog in Umno’s machine, a party which has politicised religion for its survival by creating unfounded insecurities and fear amongst Muslims and a distrust of other religions.
The PM was right. Change brings with it uncertainty. But God will see you through. A vote for BN will bring you the “certainty” of continued racial and religious polarisation and compound the culture of corruption, cronyism and crippling fear.
May your concerns be not confined to the well-being of Christians alone but may they envelope, and embrace the struggles encountered by the peoples of all races and religions, yes, even the Muslims too.
May you champion the common good and be an answer to the longing and prayer of deliverance of the long-suffering people living in long-houses and languishing in abject poverty.
May you make it your Christian duty to stand up for the marginalised indigenous peoples of Sarawak who have been deceived, discriminated against, displaced, dislodged, dispossessed, deprived and disempowered.
May your Christian compassion move you to act justly for those who have become disillusioned, demoralised and dysfunctional by the divisive and diabolical designs of the powers that be.
May God free you from the “contamination” of Semenanjung. May your Christian conscience prompt you to chose the side which Jesus would — those who have no cash, credit, clout, cables or connection!
By the grace of God, may your response to the Christian call to the conversion of heart (especially as we come close to the climax of Lent) be a personal transformation from one of compromise to courage and from convenience and comfort to commitment to justice and peace.
May God be with you as you exercise you Christian duty of casting vote in this crucial moment of Sarawak’s history! May God bless Sarawak!
(15 April 2011)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Sarawakians, Seize the Moment!
By Martin Jalleh
Sarawakians, you stand at the threshold of a great deciding and defining moment of change. You can either decisively help shape the future of your State or let it slide and sink like a tragic struggling shipwreck.
Sarawakians, may you be steadfast in this challenging hour! Sadly, after three decades, you are one of the poorest “richest” States in Bolehland and many in the land of the Hornbill are languishing in poverty.
“Sack” those who for the past 30 years have betrayed Sarawak by bleeding the State dry, siphoning and stashing their ill-gotten gains overseas and building a scandalous empire there.
Stop the scoundrels and self-serving sycophants who suck up to the powers that be to satisfy their insatiable greed, whilst marginalized indigenous Sarawakians suffer indescribably and struggle to eke out a living!
Ship out those who have repeatedly and rampantly robbed her people of their rights, ransacked the State’s coffers, ravished her natural resources and remained silent as the children of her natives are raped!
Stand firm against the local colonialist master who has through the last 30 years of larceny surreptitiously sequestered more than 1.5 million hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land for his family members!
Send into political oblivion the spent white-haired chief (whose political shelf life has long expired) and other senior ministers of suspect character, soiled reputations, who readily sell their souls to remain in power.
Shame the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for its deafening silence over the mounting and meticulous evidence on corruption by the Sarawak State Government as revealed in the Sarawak Report.
Say “NO MORE!” to being sidelined and side-stepped by the Executive in Putrajaya and being treated like a bastard or stepchild. Say “NO MORE!” to being deceived, denied and deprived of what is rightfully yours.
Shout aloud “ENOUGH!” to being suckered, spit at and stepped on by the BN government and spineless Sarawak BN MPs who in Parliament have sacrificed your rights at the altar of political expediency!
Shun the short-term and sudden seductions of the “Santa Claus” PM whose political acumen has sunk so very low as seen in his vote buying and his desperate attempts to destroy his opponents with sex and slime.
Spurn the shallow, hollow and bellow of the small-minded Deputy PM who never fails to spew out senseless speeches, silly scare tactics, sabre-rattling tricks and sinister theatrics.
Stomach no more the shocking, scandalous and shambolic state of affairs concerning education and health, which were ironically highlighted by the sudden and recent allocations made by the PM and DPM!
Send the PM and deputy PM who are bankrupt of ideas and who have come to bribe you with the rakyat’s money, back to Semenanjung without their “Fixed Deposit” – as Umno continues to be their “Fixed Deficit!!
Stir and summon the indomitable spirit of people power to take on the insurmountable odds and to overcome the BN’s offering of blood sacrifices and invoking of evil spirits to cast spells and curses on the opposition.
Save your state, Sarawakians! By your self-determination, show the shameless leaders of the BN and their supercilious political representatives that you cannot to be bought over or bullied!
Sarawakians, by your solidarity, save the country! Strike at the very roots that have caused Bolehland to degenerate into a “sick country” and a “sham democracy” (Tengku Razaleigh)! Reject BN at the elections!
P.S. Please forward to your friends in Sarawak. Thanks!
Sarawakians, you stand at the threshold of a great deciding and defining moment of change. You can either decisively help shape the future of your State or let it slide and sink like a tragic struggling shipwreck.
Sarawakians, may you be steadfast in this challenging hour! Sadly, after three decades, you are one of the poorest “richest” States in Bolehland and many in the land of the Hornbill are languishing in poverty.
“Sack” those who for the past 30 years have betrayed Sarawak by bleeding the State dry, siphoning and stashing their ill-gotten gains overseas and building a scandalous empire there.
Stop the scoundrels and self-serving sycophants who suck up to the powers that be to satisfy their insatiable greed, whilst marginalized indigenous Sarawakians suffer indescribably and struggle to eke out a living!
Ship out those who have repeatedly and rampantly robbed her people of their rights, ransacked the State’s coffers, ravished her natural resources and remained silent as the children of her natives are raped!
Stand firm against the local colonialist master who has through the last 30 years of larceny surreptitiously sequestered more than 1.5 million hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land for his family members!
Send into political oblivion the spent white-haired chief (whose political shelf life has long expired) and other senior ministers of suspect character, soiled reputations, who readily sell their souls to remain in power.
Shame the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for its deafening silence over the mounting and meticulous evidence on corruption by the Sarawak State Government as revealed in the Sarawak Report.
Say “NO MORE!” to being sidelined and side-stepped by the Executive in Putrajaya and being treated like a bastard or stepchild. Say “NO MORE!” to being deceived, denied and deprived of what is rightfully yours.
Shout aloud “ENOUGH!” to being suckered, spit at and stepped on by the BN government and spineless Sarawak BN MPs who in Parliament have sacrificed your rights at the altar of political expediency!
Shun the short-term and sudden seductions of the “Santa Claus” PM whose political acumen has sunk so very low as seen in his vote buying and his desperate attempts to destroy his opponents with sex and slime.
Spurn the shallow, hollow and bellow of the small-minded Deputy PM who never fails to spew out senseless speeches, silly scare tactics, sabre-rattling tricks and sinister theatrics.
Stomach no more the shocking, scandalous and shambolic state of affairs concerning education and health, which were ironically highlighted by the sudden and recent allocations made by the PM and DPM!
Send the PM and deputy PM who are bankrupt of ideas and who have come to bribe you with the rakyat’s money, back to Semenanjung without their “Fixed Deposit” – as Umno continues to be their “Fixed Deficit!!
Stir and summon the indomitable spirit of people power to take on the insurmountable odds and to overcome the BN’s offering of blood sacrifices and invoking of evil spirits to cast spells and curses on the opposition.
Save your state, Sarawakians! By your self-determination, show the shameless leaders of the BN and their supercilious political representatives that you cannot to be bought over or bullied!
Sarawakians, by your solidarity, save the country! Strike at the very roots that have caused Bolehland to degenerate into a “sick country” and a “sham democracy” (Tengku Razaleigh)! Reject BN at the elections!
P.S. Please forward to your friends in Sarawak. Thanks!
Monday, April 11, 2011
FULL FREEDOM, FULL RIGHTS - NO TO 10-POINT PROPOSAL
UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES: FULL FREEDOM, FULL RIGHTS - NO TO 10-POINT PROPOSAL
Kuala Lumpur – 8 April 2011. CCM Youth issued a press release today expressing their views in response to the various press statements issued by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (“CFM”), the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (“NECF”), the 10-point solution as proposed by Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala (“10-Point Proposal”) Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, and comments made in the media by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and various parties.
- 10-POINT PROPOSAL ONLY ADDRESSED THE ALKITAB ISSUE
The 10-Point Proposal presumed that Christians were only concerned with the Alkitab issue. That premise is incorrect. The 10-Point Proposal distracted both the public and the church leaders from getting to the heart of the matter, that is, the concern over the overt and covert manner which the government had discriminated against the Christian citizenry for close to forty (40) years that had resulted in the gradual deterioration of basic rights of Christians to freely exercise their faith.
- RESTORE FULL RIGHTS AND FULL FREEDOM ENSHRINED IN THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION
CCM Youth denounced deplorable accusations that Christians were not being “fair” or “reasonable” in resolving the Alkitab matter. CCM Youth disclosed that the Malaysian government had unreasonably and unjustly acted in bad faith since the early 1970s to-date against the Christian community. Among some examples were:
<Gradual erosion of the control of mission schools which included even the physical removal of words such as “Holy” and crosses from schools, even though the land, building and board of governors belonged to the church;
<Removing or disallowing “Christian Fellowships” from being recognized as societies in schools and universities;
<Harassing and transferring out Christian teachers found teaching Bible Knowledge, a legitimate examinable subject for the SPM;
<Gazetting the AlKitab, the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia and Bahasa Indonesia, as a threat to national security under the Internal Security Act;
<Denying the use of the word “Allah” for the Christian God, even though it had been used by indigenous groups way before independence, and being the only Muslim country in the world to do so despite wide Arab usage;
<Denying Christians land to operate churches or cemeteries.
And the list goes on.
CCM Youth was saddened that Christians today were openly abused, harassed and provoked in the media and encouraged by the government, with all sorts of erroneous information being placed on official government websites put up as decrees; linking activities from Valentine’s Day to ‘poco-poco’ to crosses on football jerseys, to Christian beliefs without so much as a dialogue or a clarification with the Christian community. So much so that even the Islamic government machinery, with nods from cabinet ministers, the Home Ministry and state governments, unashamedly encouraged over-zealous religious officers and Islamic-based NGOs, to propagate and sow seeds of hatred towards the Christian community.
CCM Youth was informed that recently a group of students went for an excursion to the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and were denied entry just because their uniform had a cross. After so many years of racial-religious polarisation under the hands of government machinery, religious and racial bigotry is now blatantly practised and widely nurtured in government departments against Christians.
CCM Youth believed that the 10-Point Proposal was superfluous as Christian citizens were not asking for anything extra, but for their basic constitutional rights, enshrined in the Federal Constitution, to be respected and honoured.
- CHRISTIANS’ BIRTHRIGHT TO READ, SPEAK AND WRITE IN THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE
CCM Youth opined that it was ludicrous to deny Malaysian Christian citizens the right to use the country’s national language for the purposes of exercising their faith. On the one hand, non-Malay citizens are often criticized for their purported lack of loyalty when they did not speak Bahasa Malaysia, but when they did, like in this case in order to read the Bible, which they had been doing for generations, they were denied that right! CCM Youth reiterated that as citizens of this country, it was their God-given birthright, which “should not be given up, negotiated, traded away, nor ‘sold for a bowl of pottage’ ”, being simply rushed into just because Christian leaders were offered a “quick-fix” solution to the immediate problems that were originally created by unjust parties.
- THE 10-POINT PROPOSAL DOES NOT CARRY THE WEIGHT OF LAW
CCM Youth decried attempts to create a “Band-Aid” compromise solution that did not carry the weight of law. If the Malaysian government were truly sincere, there would not be a need for a 10-Point Proposal. Insofar as this matter was concerned, all the government needed to do was to instruct the Home Ministry to drop its appeal on the “Allah” issue, which the Catholic Church won on 31 December 2009 when it took the case to the High Court. This action would immediately lead to the withdrawal of the Allah and the Alkitab from any further restrictions in the country. CCM Youth urged the government to uphold democratic principles and not play games by taking a round-about route that did not reflect their sincerity.
<10-POINT PROPOSAL SOWS DISUNITY AMONGST CHRISTIANS
The 10-Point Proposal served only to promote disunity amongst Christians, playing to the ruling government’s “divide-and-rule” tune. CCM Youth questioned how it could be plausible for a 1Malaysia, yet a 2-Bible and 3-Rule solution? If at all, it only cemented CCM Youth’s opinion that 1Malaysia had been nothing but political rhetoric. If Christian leaders had agreed to this proposal, the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak would have one rule; while believers in the Peninsula, including the Orang Asli, would have another rule. Should Christians subject themselves to such confusion and be manipulated to accept such terms? Likewise, by agreeing to such terms now, would Christians then forfeit the right to resolve future outstanding matters beyond the Alkitab issue?
- NO GUARANTEE THAT PLEDGES OR ASSURANCES WILL BE HONOURED
Time and time again, the Christian community have been given assurances but only to be disappointed later on. CCM Youth urged church leaders to be wise, for what had been dressed as compromise could turn out to be an entrapment – “Even the elect were deceived, if that were possible.” CCM Youth pointed out that they were well aware that there were many obstacles ahead, and they understood the “card game was in the hands” of the government. Even if the Federal government gave the impression of giving way, they could fall back on the state government machinery that would kick in and take that to another gear which involved harassing book stores, printers, forwarding agents, schools and so on, located in affected states.
- THE TIPPING POINT – TODAY’S DECISION WILL IMPACT FUTURE GENERATIONS
CCM Youth urged church leaders to take their time and not to be in a hurry. It was imperative that they did not fail future generations, or act in a manner that could adversely undermine or enslave future generations from practising their faith freely. CCM Youth urged church leaders to remain faithful and to take as much time as they needed to ponder and to ask pertinent questions without compromising the faith. Otherwise, future generations would return to remind past generations of leaders of "compromises" made today, or that the church leaders held silent when they could have spoken up, having restrained themselves from pursuing justice when they had the opportunity to do so. CCM Youth urged church leaders not to worry about having to come to a decision by the CFM’s Biennial General Meeting on April 14, 2011, but to take ample time to pray and seek the Lord before coming to a decision.
CCM Youth reminded church leaders that even the youths today were still learning the full extent of the rights that had been eroded to-date as events unfolded, and CCM Youth would endeavour to support church leaders to their best of abilities to recover that which was lost, and hand over full freedom to future generations as their legacy.
- ARE WE SPEAKING TO THE RIGHT PARTY WITH THE AUTHORITY?
With due respect to Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, CCM Youth raised concerns that there were no assurances that he had the full weight of the cabinet behind him in this regard, given the underlying tones and lack of media support from cabinet ministers. Even the Prime Minister himself had been strangely silent. From remarks given by the Home Minister and various “shadow gatekeepers”, there had been no assurance that the relevant ministries would honour any form of agreement. What remained consistent so far had been the consistency of the government’s inconsistencies. The danger of flip-flops was not a probability, but a given. CCM Youth believed that this rush to force a solution was inadvertently linked to the outcome of the Sarawak elections and the potential impact from its Christian majority population. CCM Youth observed that it was this careless ‘short-term opportunistic’ attitude of the government for political expediency that had made them wary of such overtures and advised church leaders to exercise greater caution under such circumstances. If the government were sincere in addressing the grievances of the Christian community, CCM Youth believed that nothing less than the coming together of a task force from the Prime Minister’s Department, the Home Ministry, the Attorney General, the Education Ministry and all state governments and Islamic departments had to take place.
- SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD
CCM Youth pointed out that it was Datuk Seri Idris Jala who apologized. So far, no official statement of apology had been offered by any ministry, especially none was forthcoming from the Home Minister, the main protagonist who directed the stamping of the Bibles. The public ought to know that this entire episode of the desecration of the Christian’s Holy Scriptures happened during the holy month of LENT which precedes and commemorates the Lord Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and celebrates His resurrection. If an opportunity presented itself for reconciliation and restoration to properly right the grave wrong committed, CCM Youth would certainly offer forgiveness. Obviously, the situation had yet to present itself.
- CHRISTIAN CABINET MINISTERS MUST TAKE LEADERSHIP
CCM Youth noted that except for Datuk Seri Idris Jala, many Christian cabinet ministers have kept silent. One cabinet minister even called Christians foolish for holding prayer rallies. CCM Youth challenged cabinet ministers to be faithful and to choose today whom they served – whether God or man.
CCM Youth reiterated that they were not being unreasonable, audaciously demanding or stirring trouble. CCM Youth regretted that for a long time, the Church had remained silent, having compromised when it should not have. In good faith, church leaders had been drawn into endless unproductive closed-door meetings, given verbal promises and handshake agreements that never materialized. Unfortunately for the Church, Christian goodwill had not been reciprocated, and closed door agreements never honoured. The recent desecration of the AlKitab was the last straw.
CCM Youth called upon all Christians today to rally firmly behind their Christian leaders as they worked towards a resolution for the community. CCM Youth urged the Christian community to uphold their leaders in prayer more fervently.
CCM Youth reiterated that they remained committed to nation-building and bringing about justice, peace and reconciliation for all Malaysians and migrants, and would stop at nothing to bring about change for the betterment of all peoples regardless of creed, race or religion, through proclaiming truth and bringing about justice and transformation to the nation.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
(signed)
Daniel Chai
Secretary
CCM Youth
Email: ccmyouth@gmail.com
April 8, 2011
SOURCE: COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF MALAYSIA YOUTH
Media Contact details:
Persons to contact – Daniel Chai 012 3986776 and Elaine Teh 016 221 7894
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak – Renewal Evangelical Mission of Sarawak
Surat Jemaat - Vote Wisely this time Around!
Freedom of Religion
Saudara-saudara jemaat di tanah air tercinta Sarawak, yang menjadi umat Allah Bapa dan Tuhan
Yesus Kristus. Kami mengharap semoga Allah memberi berkat dan sejahtera kepada kalian.
We praise God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ that Sarawak is the only Christian majority state
in Malaysia where half the population are Christians. It is with our goodwill and blessings that we
have allowed a Malay Muslim to be the Chief Minister of Sarawak since 1963 except for a brief period
when a Christian held the position until he was unconstitutionally sacked in 1966 by the Federal
government.
We also praise God that one in ten people in Malaysia are Christians. In fact, two thirds of the
Christians are Malay speaking bumiputras in Sarawak and Sabah as well as Orang Asli in Malaya. We
have been using the Malay Alkitab or the Iban Bup Kudus as our Holy Bible for generations.
Sarawak, together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya formed Malaysia in 1963 under the Malaysia
Agreement. Singapore left the federation two years later. Like the Malays, our special position as
pribumis or natives is protected under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Sarawak has made its position abundantly clear in what is known as the 18-points (20-points in for
Sabah) in drafting the Malaysia Agreement. Point #1 was on freedom of religion: “While there was no
objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia, there should be no state religion in
Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of
Malaya should not apply to Borneo.”
That was the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement even though this point was amended in the final draft.
East Malaysians were more than magnanimous in making this compromise to UMNO. But recent
events have forced us to come to the conclusion that there is a sinister anti-Christian agenda by
Barisan Nasional especially by UMNO and its proxies in Sarawak. This is unconstitutional.
Bishop Ng Moon Hing, chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia pointed out in a statement
on 10 March 2011 over the illegal confiscation of 35,000 copies of the Alkitab: “It would appear as if
the authorities are waging a continuous, surreptitious and systematic programme against Christians in Malaysia to deny them access to the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.”
We have shown great tolerance despite provocative actions against our faith by the ruling coalition.
But when the government desecrated 35,000 copies of our Alkitab which were illegally confiscated, it
is our wake up-call to defend our constitutional right to profess, practise and propagate our faith.
We have been betrayed by Barisan Nasional. The incumbent Chief Minster and his cabinet, who have
remained in office by our grace for 30 years, have proven to be incapable of defending freedom of
religion in Sarawak. They, therefore, cannot expect to enjoy our trust in the coming state elections.
Even PAS, the Islamic Party, is against the position taken by the ruling coalition against the Alkitab
and to prohibit bumiputra Christians from using the word Allah to refer to God.
We wish to make it clear that we are not against Islam but only against Barisan Nasional’s anti-
Christian agenda, particularly the recent desecration of 35,000 copies of our Alkitab. They were
unconstitutionally impounded by the Home Ministry.
Barisan’s anti-Christian agenda began when Dr Mahathir Mohamad became prime Minister in July
1981 when he banned the Alkitab under a Gazette Order made under the Internal Security Act in 1982.
When Christians objected, he amended it to a “restricted ban” for use only in churches.
Despite this, various consignments of the Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications were illegally
confiscated by the Home Ministry by using the Publications and Printing Presses Act. The Bup Kudus
or Iban Bible was banned in 2003 by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was acting prime Minister and
Internal Security Minister. He relented when faced with Iban anger.
Now under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia, this harassment against the church and
Christians continues unabated leading to the desecration of the 35,000 copies of the Alkitab by
stamping it with serial numbers and the words “For Christianity Only.” We can never agree to this
because the Bible is meant for anyone interested. Only criminals are identified by serial numbers.
It is not that we have not compromised for the sake of peace. We have even gone to the extent to
imprint a large crucifix on the cover of Alkitab with the words “Penerbitan Kristian” or “Christian
Publication” so that Muslims do not buy or receive the Alkitab by mistake.
The Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications are now planced under the jurisdiction of the Qur’anic
Text Division of the Home Ministry. The desecration of the Alkitab is done by this division.
The shortage of Alkitab in Sarawak, due to the ongoing illegal confiscation of our Holy Scriptures, has
now reached a crisis. Our children and grandchildren have no access to them since birth.
The evidence before us is that Barisan Nasional is persisting in completely wiping out our Christian
Heritage in Sarawak and Sabah by pursuing its unconstitutional and illegal anti-Christian agenda.
Sidang Injil Baru Sarawak, therefore, advises Christians to vote wisely in the coming state elections on
16 April 2011. You do not necessarily have to vote for the Opposition. Vote only for candidates,
including those from Barisan Nasional, whom you feel can act with a clear conscience and integrity
and a proven record of defending the freedom of religion.
Our Christian heritage is at stake. Act now. Vote wisely. Pray for divine intervention.
…
time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
(Romans 13:11 NLT).
Kasih karunia dan damai sejahtera menyertai kamu.
Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak
Sri Aman
30 Mar 2011
Freedom of Religion
Saudara-saudara jemaat di tanah air tercinta Sarawak, yang menjadi umat Allah Bapa dan Tuhan
Yesus Kristus. Kami mengharap semoga Allah memberi berkat dan sejahtera kepada kalian.
We praise God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ that Sarawak is the only Christian majority state
in Malaysia where half the population are Christians. It is with our goodwill and blessings that we
have allowed a Malay Muslim to be the Chief Minister of Sarawak since 1963 except for a brief period
when a Christian held the position until he was unconstitutionally sacked in 1966 by the Federal
government.
We also praise God that one in ten people in Malaysia are Christians. In fact, two thirds of the
Christians are Malay speaking bumiputras in Sarawak and Sabah as well as Orang Asli in Malaya. We
have been using the Malay Alkitab or the Iban Bup Kudus as our Holy Bible for generations.
Sarawak, together with Sabah, Singapore and Malaya formed Malaysia in 1963 under the Malaysia
Agreement. Singapore left the federation two years later. Like the Malays, our special position as
pribumis or natives is protected under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Sarawak has made its position abundantly clear in what is known as the 18-points (20-points in for
Sabah) in drafting the Malaysia Agreement. Point #1 was on freedom of religion: “While there was no
objection to Islam being the national religion of Malaysia, there should be no state religion in
Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah), and the provisions relating to Islam in the present Constitution of
Malaya should not apply to Borneo.”
That was the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement even though this point was amended in the final draft.
East Malaysians were more than magnanimous in making this compromise to UMNO. But recent
events have forced us to come to the conclusion that there is a sinister anti-Christian agenda by
Barisan Nasional especially by UMNO and its proxies in Sarawak. This is unconstitutional.
Bishop Ng Moon Hing, chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia pointed out in a statement
on 10 March 2011 over the illegal confiscation of 35,000 copies of the Alkitab: “It would appear as if
the authorities are waging a continuous, surreptitious and systematic programme against Christians in Malaysia to deny them access to the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.”
We have shown great tolerance despite provocative actions against our faith by the ruling coalition.
But when the government desecrated 35,000 copies of our Alkitab which were illegally confiscated, it
is our wake up-call to defend our constitutional right to profess, practise and propagate our faith.
We have been betrayed by Barisan Nasional. The incumbent Chief Minster and his cabinet, who have
remained in office by our grace for 30 years, have proven to be incapable of defending freedom of
religion in Sarawak. They, therefore, cannot expect to enjoy our trust in the coming state elections.
Even PAS, the Islamic Party, is against the position taken by the ruling coalition against the Alkitab
and to prohibit bumiputra Christians from using the word Allah to refer to God.
We wish to make it clear that we are not against Islam but only against Barisan Nasional’s anti-
Christian agenda, particularly the recent desecration of 35,000 copies of our Alkitab. They were
unconstitutionally impounded by the Home Ministry.
Barisan’s anti-Christian agenda began when Dr Mahathir Mohamad became prime Minister in July
1981 when he banned the Alkitab under a Gazette Order made under the Internal Security Act in 1982.
When Christians objected, he amended it to a “restricted ban” for use only in churches.
Despite this, various consignments of the Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications were illegally
confiscated by the Home Ministry by using the Publications and Printing Presses Act. The Bup Kudus
or Iban Bible was banned in 2003 by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was acting prime Minister and
Internal Security Minister. He relented when faced with Iban anger.
Now under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia, this harassment against the church and
Christians continues unabated leading to the desecration of the 35,000 copies of the Alkitab by
stamping it with serial numbers and the words “For Christianity Only.” We can never agree to this
because the Bible is meant for anyone interested. Only criminals are identified by serial numbers.
It is not that we have not compromised for the sake of peace. We have even gone to the extent to
imprint a large crucifix on the cover of Alkitab with the words “Penerbitan Kristian” or “Christian
Publication” so that Muslims do not buy or receive the Alkitab by mistake.
The Alkitab and Bahasa Christian publications are now planced under the jurisdiction of the Qur’anic
Text Division of the Home Ministry. The desecration of the Alkitab is done by this division.
The shortage of Alkitab in Sarawak, due to the ongoing illegal confiscation of our Holy Scriptures, has
now reached a crisis. Our children and grandchildren have no access to them since birth.
The evidence before us is that Barisan Nasional is persisting in completely wiping out our Christian
Heritage in Sarawak and Sabah by pursuing its unconstitutional and illegal anti-Christian agenda.
Sidang Injil Baru Sarawak, therefore, advises Christians to vote wisely in the coming state elections on
16 April 2011. You do not necessarily have to vote for the Opposition. Vote only for candidates,
including those from Barisan Nasional, whom you feel can act with a clear conscience and integrity
and a proven record of defending the freedom of religion.
Our Christian heritage is at stake. Act now. Vote wisely. Pray for divine intervention.
…
time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
(Romans 13:11 NLT).
Kasih karunia dan damai sejahtera menyertai kamu.
Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak
Sri Aman
30 Mar 2011
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