1. Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/152066)
Najib worries of being an ultra-Malays target，31 December 2010
‘To be seen at a Christian celebration with the crucifix clearly visible will expose him as easy target for his Malay opponents in Umno.'
'Najib, apologise for un-1Malaysian directive'
Faz: The directives have nothing to do with Christianity or Najib Razak being a Muslim. This is basically Umno politics at its worst. To be seen at a Christian celebration with the crucifix clearly visible together with the singing of Christian hymns, will expose him as easy target for his Malay opponents in Umno by using the Malay rural masses.
Remember what they did to Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah in Sabah not so long ago when he was Semangat 46 president? This is the typical work of PTD (administrative and diplomatic) officers who are at the helm of the government's administration and whose tasks are to complement the governing politicians to prolong their (the PTD officers' and the politicians') survival.
Anonymous: Najib's speech "moderates should fight racism and extremism" have no meaning when his office directive to the Catholic Church to remove the crucifixes during his visit on Christmas Day runs counter to his call for religious tolerance.
We should respect all religions; and all people have the right to their ways of worship and celebration. Each religion has its own way of celebrating its day of rejoicing. It is time that Najib matches words with actions.
KJ John: Mine may be an unpopular move, but I think the CFM (Christian Federation of Malaysia) should have cancelled the event if it could not host the PM in the way they wanted to.
Forgive their actions, but we do not have to condone them either. After all, is that not why we undertake our own Christmas event since about three years ago because the government programme has more to do with commercial Christianity. Christians must stand up for our truth and never compromise it.
StevenForMalaysia: Yes, as a Christian, I'm certainly disappointed with such rude and humiliating instruction. However, I forgive them in the spirit of love. But had I been one of those involved in the church, I would have suggested to the committee to object to the to their request, failing which cancel the function to teach Najib and the 'little Napoleans' a lesson.
Albert: If PM Najib is so uncomfortable with the crucifixes, then I can only conclude that he is not a PM of all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or culture. CFM should just tell Najib that if he does not like the way the church looks, then he should just decline the invitation. Or better still, CFM should withdraw the invitation.
CFM should realise by now that Najib wants to be popular with the minority rakyat in the country (to continue as PM in the next GE) but more importantly, he does not want to offend the Umno Malays, Perkasa, etc.
And we can judge whether he is sincere by asking what he has done to address the marginalisation of the minority rakyat due to the blatant abuse of Article 153 by the Umno-led government for the past 40 years.
Chandran Sukumaran: Christians, this is the taste of 1Malaysia. Hindus, Buddhist and others, don't make the same mistake. It looks like there is no religious freedom or tolerance in Najib's 1Malaysia concept.
The Sensibility: Dear PM, you speak with 'fork tongue' and try to propagate 1Malaysia but practise another. You are the prime minister of this country whereby Malaysians comprise of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Dayaks, Dusuns, Portuguese, Siamese, etc, with their respective religious beliefs, social and cultural background.
You went to celebrate Christmas with Christian Malaysians, but yet you gave such a directive. I believe people would strongly believe that you are a hypocrite. If you are truly a Malaysian prime minister, please lead by example and do not let the little Napoleons to stir hatred among Malaysians.
SMC77: CFM should come up and clarify the issue here. It will be Najib's fault if CFM is coerced to take his instruction. Likewise, if CFM takes Najib's instruction without any objection, then CFM needs to take the blame.
Think: Demanding an apology is pointless as it may humiliate the offender and it is nothing but the fulfilment of some kind of personal emotional satisfaction on the demander to punish another. You may get an apology but it will never be a heartfelt or a sincere one.
Sentinel: Are Muslims so weak in their faith that the mere sight of a crucifix or the sounds of hymns can make them want to convert to Christianity? Me think not. I think it's the bunch of idiots surrounding the PM that has no grey matter between their ears.
These are the idiots that is perpetuation religious disharmony and misunderstandings and causing interracial discords.
Gerard Samuel Vijayan: What a disgrace. In future, the CFM should only extend its invitation to Christian members of the cabinet and the diplomatic corps.
Is it part of Malay/Muslim culture to ask your host to suppress their religious beliefs and practices just because the guest wants to protect himself from criticism from Muslim religious extremists with their skew view of Islam.
Are Muslims so weak in their faith that the mere sight of the cross or crucifix or the reciting of prayers and singing of hymns will cause them to convert to Christianity or undermine their Islamic beliefs? If that is the case then Muslim leaders should not visit the Vatican or attend mass and services in Christian churches during state occasions in foreign countries such as coronations, weddings and funerals.
This is what 1Malaysia is all about, nothing but hypocrisy and intolerance.
Sarawakian: The church should also be blamed for acceding to their demand. Just tell him the invitation is without conditions and if Najib cannot accept it, tell him to take a hike. It was rude and ungracious of him. The event was a Christian one which he should understand.
P Dev Anand Pillai: There it is, very evident and clear but yet many dumb numbskulls would continue to vote for the BN again and again. It is very clear that 1Malaysia means one race and that race only.
Is the crucifix going to make Malays denounce their faith in Islam? Is the singing of hyms going to make them feel uncomfortable? How about how the fact that they impose their beliefs and norms on others? Aren't we tolerant?
The church should not be bothered to invite these VIPs if they can't respect the religion, culture and its celebrations.
Ian2003: What's the fuss? Najib never misrepresent himself. It is us who have misinterpreted his action. It always has been, and always will be, 1-Malay-sia. So don't go and ask for apology, and if you do, don't expect 1.
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paid subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments.
2.
(1) CCM Statement (http://www.themicahmandate.org)
CFM Christmas hi-tea: not a “blunder”, 5 January 2011
Kuala Lumpur – 05 Jan 2011. CCM Youth issued a press release today and expressed disappointment with the inflammatory articles and half-baked commentaries that have surfaced following the Christmas Hi-Tea Open House that was organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (“CFM”) on Christmas Day.
In view of the confusion caused by such reports, CCM Youth have decided to provide the public with a factual and accurate eye-witness account, gleaned from the 10 youth leaders who attended the function.
As a background, CCM Youth informed that hosting of this annual event is rotated between the Council of Churches of Malaysia (“CCM”), the National Evangelical Christian Federation (“NECF”) and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia Church (“Catholics”), which are the three Christian groups united under the ecumenical umbrella of CFM. It had long been a tradition that the Prime Minister graced this annual Christmas celebration.
In 2008, NECF hosted the event where the then Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Badawi was the guest of honour. In 2009, CCM hosted the event at Mar Thoma Church with Datuk Seri Idris Jala and Tan Sri Joseph Kurup representing the Prime Minister. Opposition leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also present. These events were usually graced by heads of churches, ambassadors, career politicians, businessmen, members of the community, public servants, fellow clergy and well-wishers.
The 2010 Christmas Hi-Tea was hosted by Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, the Archbishop of the Catholic Church of Kuala Lumpur, at Rumah Uskup Agung, his official residence at No 528 Bukit Nanas, 50250 Kuala Lumpur on 25th December at 3.30pm.
In the press release, CCM Youth set the record straight on what actually happened at the Christmas Hi-Tea event:-
1.The venue was at the car park of the Archbishop’s official residence, to create a marquee garden party atmosphere that was conducive to accommodate the crowd; an unlikely place to find a cross to be anywhere.
2.The program was printed on the invitation cards and distributed prior to the event, which included prayer, welcome message and scripture reading. Guests were well entertained by a group of Catholic believers from various countries such as Africa, Vietnam and Myanmar with many carol hymns being sung and very lively dances from the African group.
3.The program went on as scheduled at 3:30pm and the Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak arrived on time as scheduled at 4:00pm to join the hi-tea.
4.Upon his arrival, Archbishop Pakiam warmly welcomed the Prime Minister and his entourage followed by the Prime Minister’s address. Hi-tea was immediately served and guests freely mingled amidst the sound of the joyful African dancing.
5.Among career politicians who were present included Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon, Tian Chua, Elizabeth Wong, Hannah Yeoh and husband, Edward Lee, Tan Kee Kwong and Nurul Izzah Anwar.
6.Religious leaders from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (“MCCBCHST”) were also present.
The garden party was a colourful display of harmony among all religions and nations. The Catholic leaders were the most gracious of hosts. The youth leaders enjoyed the Christmas Hi Tea, being much pampered by the warm hospitality of the Catholic leaders, while “hanging out” with very cool politicians such as Nurul Izzah Anwar.
However, CCM Youth is aggrieved that this Christmas Hi-Tea, intended to be a celebration of peace and goodwill with the community, had instead been politically hijacked.
If there was a lesson to be learnt from this, CCM Youth believed that no part of society should be made to feel intimidated into tailoring their cultural, religious festivals or events, to suit the whims and fancies, or preferences, of another group. It is not the prerogative of the invited group to dictate terms to the host. If the invited guest does not feel comfortable, he is not obligated to attend. Never mind the tradition.
The Bible, in the book of James, commanded that “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry”. Thus, CCM Youth appealed to disgruntled Christians to stop “throwing stones at glass houses.”
Nevertheless, CCM Youth hoped that church leaders would not act like “ostriches” with their “heads in the sand” whenever an issue arose in the public space, which affected matters of social justice and fair-play. CCM Youth urged Christian leaders to be a sensible, credible, bold and timely voice to speak the truth and not pay lip service if the community intended to play a leading and active role in nation building and transformation.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
(signed)
DANIEL CHAI
Youth Secretary
CCM Youth
January 05, 2011
(2) Council of Churches of Malaysia (http://ccm-youth.blogspot.com)
Catholic Church has spoken! , 6 January 2011
Extracted from The Herald:
Much Ado About Nothing!, 6 January 2011
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak with Archbishop Murphy Pakiam and Bishop Ng Moon Hing, who were wearing their pectoral crosses.(HERALD pix courtesy of Tan Kong Beng.)
KUALA LUMPUR: No crucifixes were taken down as there were no crucifixes mounted anywhere in the car park area fronting the residence of the Archbishop Murphy Pakiam. It is surprising that those who carried the news report in their various portals did not check the veracity about the statement of the ‘removal of crucifixes’.
There is no proper place to host a large gathering in or around the Archbishop’s residence. So on the eve of Christmas, the car park area was cleared of all cars and Bedouin like tents were put up as a make shift reception hall to celebrate Christmas. It was a simple celebration without much fan-fare.
The invitation cards were sent out to a number of people. Much of the programme as listed on the reverse of the card was carried out without much delay. The arrival of guests was scheduled for 3.00pm. The Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr Justus Pereira said the opening prayer, followed by the reading of the Gospel by Fr Julian Leow of College General, Penang. With that spiritual rite the carollers from the Cathedral of St John’s International Community began to sing a number of carols in their native languages.
There is that realism that the Church in Malaysia is also universal and is not just the Catholic population of Malaysia alone. The carollers were from Nigeria, Myanmar and Vietnam. To say that there wasn’t any singing of carols is to ignore their singing and their presence as well. So to say that the Archbishop complied with the requests of Ms Hardev Kaur from the Prime Minister’s Office is to DENY TRUTH.
At least one portal stated that “among the directives given from the Prime Minister’s Office” were:
1. To remove any overt Christian symbol, such as crucifixes, from the party premises.
2. Take a look at this: The Archbishop was seen wearing his pectoral cross and there were other Bishops who were also wearing their pectoral crosses. More crucifixes were put up than removed!
3. That carollers not belt out hymns. The carollers did sing a carol. It was Joy to the World.
4. Not to quote from Scriptures or say any Christian prayer during the visit.
We repeat, the Scripture was read by Fr Julian Leow and prayer was led by Fr Justus Pereira. We must always witness to the truth, for Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” Each year under the auspices of the Christian Federation Malaysia, an open house Christmas celebration is held.
The 2009 Christmas celebration was held at the Mar Thoma Church but the Prime Minister was not able to attend it, but for the 2010 Christmas celebration at the Archbishop’s residence, the Prime Minister was there till it was time for him to leave for KLIA.
3. Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/152601)
Hymns and prayers at archbishop's Christmas , 6 January 2011
There were hymns and a prayer during the Christmas event hosted by Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Murphy Pakiam, eyewitnesses from the Council of Churches Malaysia's youth wing have declared.
This comes in response to claims of 'orders' from officers in the Prime Minister's Office banning hymns, prayers and crucifixes for the Dec 25 event which was attended by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
"The venue was the car park of the archbishop's official residence, to create a marquee garden party atmosphere... an unlikely place to find a cross (sic).
"The programme... included a prayer, welcome message and scripture reading... many carol hymns were sung," CCM Youth secretary Daniel Chai said in a statement.
However, when contacted, Chai clarified that this was not to say that no directive was given by the PMO officer. Neither is CCM Youth saying that the directive was made, but ignored.
"We are not sure exactly (and) we don't want to get into the debate of whether or not there was a directive (to remove crucifixes)," he said.
Instead, Chai said, CCM Youth was merely detailing what had happened that day to provide a clearer picture and to speak against the "political hijacking" of what was intended to be a "celebration of goodwill".
'Stop using it to attack Najib and church'
"The issue... has been used to make political comments, mostly against Najib or his aides but also against church leaders, and this is because of the confusion.
"If there was a lesson to be learned from this, CCM Youth believes that no part of society should be intimidated into tailoring their cultural, religious festivals or events to suit the whims and fancies, or preferences, of another group.
"It is not the prerogative of the invited group to dictate terms to the host. If the invited guest does not feel comfortable, he is not obligated to attend. Never mind the tradition," he said.
Chai also expressed disappointment with church leaders for acting like "ostriches with their heads in the sand" for not taking an active role in clarifying the matter, which has an impact on nation-building.
"It is not just this issue but a lot of other issues to do with social justice and nation-building which are related to the church. (Church leaders) should not be seen to be apathetic," he said.
All the same, Chai urged disgruntled Christians to "stop throwing stones at glass houses", reminding them to follow the Bible, which calls for everyone to "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry".
4. Free Malaysia Today (http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/01/07)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) is furious that a Christmas hi-tea hosted for Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak last year has been “politically hijacked”.
Said CCM Youth secretary Daniel Chai: “We are aggrieved that this Christmas hi-tea which was intended as a celebration of peace and goodwill with the community had instead been politically hijacked.”
The Christmas party was hosted by the Catholic Archbishop Murphy Packiam at his residence here on Christmas Day last year.
Chai hit out at the widespread “inflammatory articles and half-baked commentaries” alleging that Najib’s aides had sought to remove Christian symbols at the party.
“We believe that no part of society should be made to feel intimidated into tailoring their cultural, religious festivals or events to suit the whims and fancies, or preferences, of another group.
“It is not the prerogative of the invited group to dictate terms to the host. If the invited guest does not feel comfortable, he is not obligated to attend. Never mind the tradition.”
Chia said in a statement to FMT that the Christmas hi-tea was routinely hosted by either CCM, the National Evangelical Christian Federation (NECF) or the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia Church (Catholics).
“The Christian groups united under the ecumenical umbrella of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM). It had long been a tradition that the prime minister graced this annual Christmas celebration.
“In 2008, NECF hosted the event where former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was the guest of honour. In 2009, CCM hosted it with ministers Idris Jala and Joseph Kurup representing the prime minister. Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim was also present.
“These events are also graced by heads of churches, ambassadors, career politicians, businessmen, public servants, fellow clergy and well-wishers.
“The 2010 Christmas hi-tea was hosted by Murphy at his official residence in Bukit Nanas. It was a garden party with a marquee (large tent) to accommodate the crowd. It is an unlikely place to find a cross.
“The programme was printed on the invitation cards and distributed prior to the event and included a prayer, a welcome message and scripture reading,” he said.
Speak the truth
Chia denied reports that Najib’s aides had barred the organisers from singing hymns and carols during the premier’s presence.
“Guests were well entertained by a group of Catholic believers from Africa, Vietnam and Myanmar. They sang carols and hymns besides lively dances from the African group,” he said.
Also present at the function were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Koh Tsu Koon; elected representatives Tian Chua, Elizabeth Wong, Hannah Yeoh and husband, Edward Lee, Tan Kee Kwong and Nurul Izzah Anwar and religious leaders from the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism.
Citing a commandment from the Bible, Chia said: “The book of James says everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.
“We urge disgruntled Christians to stop throwing stones at glass houses. We must speak the truth and and not pay lip service if the community intended to play a leading and active role in nation building and transformation,” he said.
5. The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
No orders to remove Christian symbols, says PM’s special assistant, 7 January 2011
PETALING JAYA: The Prime Minister’s special assistant has expressed regret over reports that a church was ordered to remove Christian symbols during a Christ-mas gathering last year.
Datuk Hardev Kaur, in a statement yesterday, denied that she had issued instructions to remove symbols from the entire venue or barred the singing of Christmas carols and scripture recital during the event.
Hardev claimed she had only asked for the rostrum used by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to give a speech to be free of Christian symbols and artefacts.
“I did not give any directive not to sing carols at the function,” she said in a statement as reported in an online news portal.
Hardev stressed that her request for the removal of symbols from the rostrum was a suggestion on her own initiative and not that of the Prime Minister’s.
“If my request has led to any misunderstanding, I express my heartfelt regret,” she said.
The Council of Churches Malaysia Youth leader Daniel Chai has said hymns were sung and prayers performed during the event hosted by the Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam.
“The venue was the car park of the archbishop’s official residence, to create a marquee garden party atmosphere ... an unlikely place to find a cross,” he said in a statement.
He urged for all quarters to stop making the matter a political issue.
Various quarters had criticised Najib and Murphy, alleging that the Prime Minister and his aides had instructed that all forms of Christian symbols be removed from the event held on Dec 25.
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