CCM Youth

New Year Message by Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing

2012-01-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA (PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

4th January 2012, Kuala Lumpur

(This is the New Year message which was to be delivered by Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing, chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, as an expression of CFM’s concerns to the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia at a lunch hosted by the Prime Minister on 4 January 2012. However, Bishop Datuk Ng was not given the opportunity to present this formally at the lunch.)

YAB Perdana Menteri Dato’ Sri Hj. Mohd. Najib bin Tun Razak, Tan Sri-Tan Sri, Datuk-Datuk and distinguished guests.

Happy New Year! Greetings and Best Wishes to all who are present. We thank you for extending your kind hospitality to us in organising this lunch.

Christians have been experiencing a roller coaster year since 2010 that has been fraught with both blessings and painful encounters. This meeting at your invitation has given us an opportunity to reflect over the past events and especially the Christmas Hi-Tea of 2010 where you graced our function with your presence and the luncheon in May of last year where you played gracious host to us.

We thank you for always encouraging us to be frank with you. We welcome more opportunities for constructive and open dialogue on a regular basis and not just in times of crisis only. Our counterparts from Sabah and Sarawak have also reminded us of the meaningful meetings that they had with you.

There has been a passage of time since our last meeting. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate some of the points which we had raised with you. However, due to the constraints of time today, we will only refer to the relevant memoranda that had been submitted previously and highlight some recent developments in the past year.

The issues that concern all non-Muslims including Christians which have been raised over the years are summarised in the following documents:

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) memorandum entitled “RESPECT THE RIGHT TO PROFESS AND PRACTICE ONE’S RELIGION dated 25 October 2005 and revised in a document entitled “UNITY THREATENED BY CONTINUING INFRINGEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM” dated 15 June 2007. The issues mentioned here include –
1. 1.1. The refusal of civil courts to adjudicate cases where the Islamic ingredient is present.
2. 1.2. Conversion cases that cause hardships to families.
3. 1.3. Land for places of worship and burial grounds.
4. 1.4. Lack of consultation on issues which affect non-Muslims.
Christian Federation of Malaysia’s memorandum via a letter dated 21 December 2010 handed to you at the Christmas Hi-Tea in 2010 which include the following issues:
1. 2.1. Standard policy for places of worship, land for worship, cemetery, foreign religious workers, etc.
2. 2.2. Standard policy for schools and education policy. (In this regard, we want our mission schools to maintain its character and the management and operations should be under our control).
3. 2.3. Tax exemption status for religious organisations and charities, welfare centres and homes.
4. 2.4. To have a Minister in charge of religious affairs (in particular for religions other than Islam)
5. 2.5. Freedom of publications and usage of religious / Scripture books of each religion.
6. 2.6. The lifting of the ban on the usage of the word 'Allah' in the whole nation. (In particular, the lack of resolution of the Herald, Jill Ireland and SIB Sabah court cases).

Whilst some issues have been attended to after decades of having been repeatedly raised, there seems to be an inertia in resolving all remaining issues constructively and expeditiously.

We wish to express the frustration of our churches and all Christians in having to deal with lengthy bureaucratic red tape and ever-changing goal posts. We have exhausted meetings at the highest ministerial level and have made attempts to dialogue at various levels and yet we often find the most effective means for action to be taken is when the issues are raised in the public sphere.

Apart from the above, additional problems have arisen in the past year that have added to the pain and disappointment of Christians. We have witnessed unprecedented incidences where Christians have been made victims of unwarranted and unfounded accusations, vilifications, insults, even police reports and have indeed been made to suffer because of certain actions.

We would have expected our political leaders and the relevant authorities including the police
to have contained and refuted the allegations in the interest of national harmony and unity and yet their silence seems to be acquiescence and further condemnation of our Christian community. What more we see the official organs of government including government- controlled media being used for this purpose with impunity.

We also note that many of the past as well as present issues are based on a selective reading of the Federal Constitution that is intentionally used to legitimise discriminatory laws and practices which favours one community over another. We reiterate that the Federal Constitution guarantees equal rights for all Malaysians. In particular, there should not be a denial of public space nor an encroachment of religious freedom.

Given the enormity of the issues facing non-Muslims, together with our partners in MCCBCHST, we reiterate our proposal for the setting up of a Ministry of Non-Islamic Affairs to safeguard and protect the interests and rights of the non-Muslims. This is merely a first step as we are not naïve to assume that all issues can be resolved by this single Ministry. It requires the commitment and collaboration of all other Ministries and organs of government. We hope that there will be maximum consultation in respect of the structure and operations of the Ministry.

The Government should respect the High Court decision in the Herald case with regard to the use of the word Allah and begin the process of dismantling laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and directives which restrict and prohibit other religions from the use of the word Allah and other words.

We thank you for making the time and effort to meet with us. We would, however, like to see substantial breakthroughs achieved during the term of your office in particular in the areas that we have highlighted above and also in the widening of public space for freedom of expression, a fair electoral process and the continuous eradication of corruption.

Our Christian churches have often kept your administration and the Government in our prayers. We always pray that our leaders will be rightly guided by Almighty God to administer and govern with righteousness, fairness, justice and wisdom.

There is a very wide and alarming disconnect between what you intend to happen and what is happening on the ground. The policy of moderation which you uphold does not seem to have filtered down to all levels of government.

If left unchecked, it would be murdering and destroying your own vision of moderation and goodwill among Malaysians which you have espoused.

We are pained by those ugly manifestations which trample upon moderation. We Christians would like to work with the Government for the sake of our beloved Malaysia. In the spirit of Muhibbah we would like to bring the gift of peace to this country.

May God bless you and the country for the well-being of all Malaysians!

Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing

Chairman and the Executive Committee
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Selection and Registration of Week of Prayer for Year of Prayer 2012

2011-12-08T22:43:00.001-08:00

For online registration, you may go directly to 24-7 Prayer International or use this simple Week of Prayer Registration Form. Kindly provide the details required in the spaces provided. You may select more than one week for prayer if you so wish.

Bishop Moon Hing Launches 24-7 Year of Prayer for Malaysia: Let Justice Prevail!

2011-12-08T21:21:00.001-08:00

Friday, Dec 2 - Melaka

Right Reverend Datuk Ng Moon Hing (黄满兴), Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, launched the 24-7 Year of Prayer 2012 for Malaysia in Melaka on Friday night after a simple yet profound message taken from 2 Timothy 2:21-22:

" In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

Bishop Moon Hing switches fluently from English to Mandarin and back again.
Launches the 24-7 Year of Prayer 2012 for Malaysia

Bishop Moon Hing, who is also the Chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, reminded all delegates of the 2nd Malaysian Prayer Convocation to live holy lives so that they could be honorable vessels for the Master's use, and to be prepared to do His will. He challenged delegates to remain faithful and obedient, and shared his personal life examples as to how God took him through many tests of integrity to prepare him for this current task of leading the Malaysian church.

The reminder to be united and live holy lives was again a timely call as God reminded his people to approach Him with clean hands and pure hearts as we prepare for the last days.

We feel very blessed to raise the call to prayer by mobilizing the 24-7 Year of Prayer for Malaysia in 2012, which we believe is a pivotal and exciting year in the nation's history.

We are excited that more than 170 countries in the world will be praying for Malaysia on 2 March 2012 - World Day of Prayer with the theme "Let Justice Prevail". But we, the youth wing, want to see a "non-stop, night-and-day, 24-7-365 commitment from God's people to pray - a whole year of people praying with one voice ...to one God."

We are excited that 2012 is likely to see the National General Elections #13 coming around - and we believe that we need to soak the nation in prayer so that more righteous leaders can be raised up to lead the people.

We are excited that Malaysia will be entering its 50th year, i.e. celebrating its biblical Year of Jubilee, the year of consecration that proclaims liberty for God's people!

From left: Wendy Andrews - AsiaPac Coordinator and
Carla Harding - International Coordinator, 24-7 Prayer International

Carla Harding, the international coordinator from 24-7 Prayer International and Wendy Andrews, the Asia Pacific prayer coordinator, came to Malaysia to share this joyous moment with us as well!

We rejoiced greatly when Bishop Moon Hing declared the launch of the Year of Prayer and in so doing, committed the use of the prayer booklets in 3 languages to the churches to use, encouraging them to "Rejoice always, and pray unceasingly."

Arise and Pray! This is going to be awesome, simply because we have an awesome God!

James Kok and Chrisanne Chin presented on how to get involved in the Year of Prayer
- we had an incredibly wonderful and hilarious time as well!

Note: Hard copies are available from Canaanland bookstores (while stocks last!)

Prayer Booklet Downloads: 24-7 Year of Prayer for Malaysia 2012

2011-12-08T20:32:00.001-08:00

The Prayer Booklets are now available for download in 3 languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin Chinese (simplified). Just click on the link and download. Please share the link to all your Christian friends and family. Let's soak Malaysia in prayer this 2012!

To download the English version click on this link http://t.co/sVOCEhC9

To download the BM version, please click on this link - http://t.co/NwKQZkly

To download the Chinese version, please click on this link - http://t.co/LRbyYM2H

2011-10-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Call to 24-7 Prayer
Monday, 17 October 2011

1. Tomorrow is the Malaysian Christian Schools Council (MCSC) AGM. Uphold them in prayer. Pray also for protection against any interference.

2. Theological schools in the country are being prevented from taking in foreign students - on account that these seminaries are not approved by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), but why should seminaries be under the purview of MOHE? Students and lecturers continue to face difficulties getting extensions for their student visas. Theological schools facing increasing difficulties.

3. Suddenly there's a new ruling for work permits for foreign pastors - only churches registered under Registrar of Societies (ROS) are allowed to apply for work permits. Under CCM guidelines, churches are advised not to register individually but under the umbrella of their denominations. Why another new ruling?

4. Tomorrow is the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) EXCO meeting. Wednesday is the CCM Board of Management meeting - all church leaders and Christian parachurch organisations will be there. Pray for prayerful heart,s fruitful dialogue and unity.

5. Following the statement by the Sultan of Selangor on JAIS raid in DUMC, there'll be a big anti-Christianisation rally at Shah Alam stadium on 22 October, Saturday 2pm organised by Perkida, Perkasa etc. Pray for men of peace and reason to rise, and for God's protection against any possible violence and tension.

6. DPM has asked for feedback on the Apostasy Bill. The Anti-apostasy bill has been proposed by Mufti of Perak, some Muslim leaders including Mufti of Selangor have voiced support. If there's such a bill, it will be presented in Parliament. We believe it could be soon.

As expected, Christians have always been easy targets, as politicizing of religion is heavily exploited here in Malaysia, to divide and rule by instilling fear. We believe that God is in control. Pray for peace and reconciliation. Pray for justice and good government - for honorable leaders who care for the rights of all the citizens of this nation.

Jais-DUMC Row: Sultan Not Properly Informed — Dr Ng Kam Weng

2011-10-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2011

Religious Liberty Watch: JAIS-DUMC Controversy – Was the Sultan Not Properly Informed? LINK

**This article also appeared at Malaysiakini and The Malaysian Insider on 12 Oct 2011**

The Christian community has waited with anticipation for DYMM Sultan of Selangor, to come out with a statement that will help resolve the inter-religious crisis sparked off by the JAIS raid on DUMC on 3 August, 2011.

We welcome the Sultan’s wish that religious harmony should continue in the state and his decree that there be no prosecution against any of the parties involved.

However, the Sultan’s statement does raise a few issues of serious concern for the non-Muslim community as there are views expressed therein that suggest that the Sultan may not have been properly informed by his advisers.

First, the statement suggests that “the actions of JAIS were correct and did not breach any laws enforceable in Selangor,” as they “are in line with the jurisdiction provided under Syariah Criminal Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment (2003), Syariah Criminal (State of Selangor) Enactment, 1995 and the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims) Enactment of 1988” (herein referred to as the “Selangor Enactment”)

With all due respect, I beg to differ from this interpretation of the State Enactments. In the first place, the jurisdiction granted by Article 11(4) of the Federal Constitution was to permit the state to control or restrict the propagation of religion among people professing to be Muslims. This must be read in the context of the Article itself which fundamentally provides for every person the freedom to profess, practice and propagate his religion. Such power to control or restrict propagation cannot be understood as absolutely prohibiting any conduct or activity on the excuse of some unspecified complaint that they are for the purposes of propagation of religion. Such power cannot be taken as licence for officials to intrude or trespass into a function conducted within the premises of what is clearly a non-Muslim religious institution (in the present case a Christian institution) without legal authority

There is no legal provision under the Propagation Enactment that allows JAIS officials to intrude into the premises of DUMC, much less carry out a raid. From my reading of the Selangor Enactment (1988), the closest possible justification that can be offered by JAIS are sections 12 and 13 which specify that “an authorised officer may investigate the commission of any offence under this Enactment and may arrest without warrant any person suspected of having committed any such offence.”

He may also apply for warrants of arrest from a Magistrate to require the attendance of witnesses. There is however, simply no unilateral power to carry out an entry and search under the Propagation Enactment or for that matter even to apply for a search warrant. If the officer responsible for the raid intends to conduct an entry and search he must base his power from some legal source. JAIS officers appear to have acted under Syariah Enactment which however does NOT apply to non-Muslims and cannot be imported into the Propagation Enactment.

While superficially this provision seems to grant disturbing power to this “authorised officer”, the enforcement must be consistent with the more fundamental provisions under Part II of the Federal Constitution relating to fundamental liberties and the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) relating to search and arrest which presumes that a search warrant should have been sought as a matter of course, and that the warrant is granted only upon reasonable suspicion that a seizable offence has been committed at the DUMC premises. The requirement of a search warrant is a fundamental recognition of the right to privacy within one’s own domain and space.

More importantly, given the sensitivity of inter-religious relations and the sanctity of religious places of worship, such a warrant should be granted only by a magistrate or judge from the Civil Court and only upon firm and clear grounds.

The fact remains that JAIS carried out the raid with disregard for established provisions and procedure of law – the leader of the JAIS party failed to present relevant identity documents to confirm he was indeed “an authorized officer”, specify the offence(s) or suspected offence(s) relating to propagation under the Selangor Enactment that was alleged to have been committed and that he had obtained a search warrant from a Magistrate or the High Court, especially when a church was the target of the raid. For these reasons, it may be argued contrary to the Sultan’s statement, that prima facie, JAIS had not acted lawfully within the bounds of law when it raided DUMC.

Second, it should be noted that the statement claims “there were attempts to subvert the faith and belief of Muslims but that the evidence obtained would be insufficient for further legal actions to be taken.” The plural word “attempts” suggests Christians at DUMC were guilty of subverting Islam not only on 3 August 2011, but that they were repeatedly committing the alleged offence. This is a most unfair and misleading accusation that imputes guilt to DUMC without offering any evidence that could be verified or refuted.

It may be noted that the English version of the Sultan’s statement uses stronger words than the official Bahasa version – it translates the word “memesongkan (distort, deviate) fahaman dan kepercayaan fahaman orang Islam” with the word “subvert the faith and belief of Muslims”

The statement unwittingly exposes the feeble foundations of its accusations when it concedes that there was insufficient evidence obtained for further legal action. In simple terms, this must means that JAIS had FAILED to make a prima facie case against DUMC. I may add that despite the attempt to hide behind the legal term of “insufficient evidence”, the reality is that there was simply NO evidence of subversion of the Islamic faith. Beating a hasty retreat from the threat of prosecuting DUMC was the best option left for JAIS.

Third, it is alarming that the statement describes the activities of DUMC as subversion of the Islamic faith. This charge is injurious to the integrity of Christians with regard to their profession and practice of faith.

Regarding integrity of profession of the Christian faith: Christians at DUMC have never pretended to be teaching any religion other than Christianity. DUMC is, after all, a church. Christians have every right to uphold their beliefs and practice their faith and while doing so, should not be judged as subverting or deviating /Memesongkan fahaman Islamic beliefs on account of the doctrinal differences between the two religions. Following the logic of JAIS, Christians could equally have charged Muslims for subverting the Christian faith when Muslims preach a faith different from Christians.

Regarding practice of faith: Christians are well known for their social work that flows from their belief in the love of God for the poor and needy. As the Bible says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27). Hence, the press statement from DUMC says, “DUMC conducts all its activities to serve the community and for the welfare of all Malaysians regardless of creed, race or religion.”

It is therefore alarming when JAIS casts aspersions against the charity work done by Christians and claims that Christians are subverting Islamic beliefs on account of their good works. It may well be the case that some needy Muslims have availed themselves to the good services offered by DUMC, and DUMC obviously cannot turn them away simply because they happen to be Muslims. DUMC may well be charged for promoting religious disharmony if it makes religion a factor before anyone can receive welfare. On the other hand, Christians may well be advised to stop their work that may incline a Muslim to view the Christian faith favourably since this would incur the wrath of JAIS officials. At best, the Sultan’s statement can be misconstrued by mischievous parties and exploited to misrepresent the altruistic intention of Christians; at worst, it maligns the welfare work of Christians.

Therefore, we welcome the announcement made by the Mentri Besar of Selangor, Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, that the Selangor government will set up a special committee to fine-tune the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) followed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in handling attempts to proselytise Muslims.

We hope the committee will come up with recommendations that will 1) ensure JAIS fully understands and observes the bounds of its authority, that is, that it has no jurisdiction over non-Muslims, and 2) any investigation of non-Muslims leading to intervention by the Islamic authorities should follow a proper procedure and law, including obtaining a search warrant granted by senior judicial officials from a religiously neutral institution such as a Magistrate or a High Court judge.

Otherwise, the government ends up surreptitiously investing illegitimate and excessive authority to Islamic officials over non-Muslims. The consequences will be abuse of power, and insensitive and provocative actions against non-Muslim believers as seen in the case of the JAIS raid of DUMC.

We do well to listen respectfully and sympathetically to the appeal from the victim of religious abuse, in this case DUMC, when it says in its media statement, “We sincerely ask that all religious communities and places of worship be treated with utmost respect and not be intruded upon.”

Dr. Ng Kam Weng

Kairos Research Centre

Launch of 24-7 Year of Prayer Malaysia 2012

2011-09-25T02:18:00.000-07:00

Are we ready to soak Malaysia in prayer 24-7 and 365 days in 2012? Let's get started!

"Imagine the youth of Malaysia praying with one voice, to one God, non-stop, night-and-day, 24-7-365 throughout next year… Awesome. The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) is aiming to do just that! When the younger generations unite to pray across language and denomination, who knows what God will do.

From January 2012, Churches and youth will be praying 24-7 for a week or more and crying out for God’s presence and for justice across their nation. Next year is a significant time for a year of prayer as Malaysia is preparing for General Elections and celebrating its Jubilee Anniversary as a nation!"

http://www.24-7prayer.com/blog/1596

CCM Press Release: DESPICABLE PIECE OF JOURNALISM BY “SINAR HARIAN”

2011-08-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

DESPICABLE PIECE OF JOURNALISM

DISPLAYED BY THE MALAY LANGUAGE DAILY, “SINAR HARIAN”

IN ITS COVERAGE OF THE SO-CALLED “APOSTASY MOVEMENT”

Kuala Lumpur, 24 August 2011

The Council of Churches of Malaysia welcomes the apology tendered by the Malay language daily, “Sinar Harian”, over its article “Matlamat Gerakan Kristian” (Objectives of the Christian Movement) published on 23rd August. They have admitted that the information published in the article is inaccurate and in error. However we note that there has been no expression of remorse.

The suggestions that Christian groups would encourage immoral activities as part of an attempt to propagate their faith is clearly preposterous, erroneous, inflammatory, and a flagrant attack on another religion. It is our view that any reasonable person would have found the article totally offensive, not just to the Christians in our country but to all decent-minded and peace-loving people.

This despicable piece of journalism, and other stories like it, should never be repeated. The management and the editorial department of “Sinar Harian” must now prove the sincerity of their apology by publicly stating what measures they are taking to ensure that stories of this nature are never published again in their newspaper. Unless there are systemic changes in their editorial processes, and proper procedures and guidelines are put in place, there is no guarantee that the newspaper, or others like it, will not repeat the harm done on another occasion.

A respected and responsible newspaper must ensure at all times that it is never a party to callous and insensitive reporting bent on destroying the good relationship among the religious communities in our country.

Dr Hermen Shastri
General Secretary

Press Statement by Harapan Komuniti on Thanksgiving & Fundraising Dinner at DUMC

2011-08-10T02:01:00.000-07:00

Press Statement by Harapan Komuniti

Thanksgiving/Fundraising at DUMC

10 August 2011

Harapan Komuniti is a non profit organization, working to bring love, hope, peace and dignity to the needy, downtrodden, children, women and people living with HIV and AIDS. We help people, regardless of race, religion or creed.

Harapan Komuniti is a partner of Organization of Malaysian AIDS Council.

On Wednesday, 3 August 2011, Harapan Komuniti merely held a thanksgiving /fundraising dinner at DUMC’s (Damansara Utama Methodist Church) premises. That dinner was attended by donors, friends and beneficiaries of Harapan Komuniti. About 120 people, from various backgrounds, attended the dinner and were treated with a meal catered by Muslims, followed by live performance, a 1Malaysia dance, a quiz, and reporting by individuals. Harapan Komuniti also offered a general prayer.

Pictures from harapankomuniti.org

Around 9.30 pm, about 30 officers from JAIS (Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor) and the Police, some were in uniforms and others in plain clothes came into the said premise without any search warrant or permission. Harapan Komuniti immediately requested the JAIS officers if they had any warrant and despite repeated requests, JAIS officers refused to hand to us any warrant to search or arrest. They proceeded into the hall and took photos and videos and even removed pamphlets from the various drawers and cabinets in the said Hall, without any permission from us or the landlord of DUMC’s premises.

Pictures from harapankomuniti.org

Harapan Komuniti’s lawyer, Mr Annou Xavier stated that Malaysia should be fortunate to have non-profit organisations such as Harapan Komuniti that gives ”Harapan” or hope to the needy, afflicted, poor, marginalised and yet, on that fateful night on 3^rd August, Jais decided to take the opportunity to raid the thanksgiving charity dinner on the assumption that conversion of religion was taking place. Harapan Komuniti has helped many needy and downtrodden citizens of Malaysia, without regard to race, religion, creed, yet Jais took it upon themselves to disrupt a peaceful and harmonious charity event on that 3^rd August.

Pictures from www.harapankomuniti.org

Mr Annou further states that Harapan Komuniti is a ‘1 Malaysia’ organisation in its pure sense, in that its Board members consist of a Malay, Encik Mohd. Rahim Bin Ithnen, a Chinese, Mr Raymond Koh and an Indian, Mr Sri Ram s/o KS Gopal to help all races, religion and creed and not some parties that simply chant ‘1 Malaysia’ merely as a slogan. He hopes that such an unwarranted raid would not take place in the future that would cause unnecessary anxiety and trauma to peace loving Malaysians.

By Mr. Raymond Koh

Executive Director

Harapan Komuniti, 3-1, Jalan PJS 3/48, Taman Sri Manja, 48000 Petaling Jaya.

Tel: 03-77843901

Christian Federation of Malaysia "Deeply Shocked" and "Appalled" by Church Raid

2011-08-04T02:28:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIANS APPALLED BY JAIS CHURCH RAID

The Christian Federation of Malaysia is deeply shocked and appalled at the raid by the officers of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) and the police conducted on the premises of the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) on the evening of 3rd August 2011.

The dinner function organised by Harapan Komuniti, a community development NGO, is an annual thanksgiving celebration to commemorate its efforts on its numerous community projects for the benefit of Malaysians.

It is ironic that such a celebratory gathering of volunteers, leaders, supporters and members of the community should be disrupted by the high-handed and repugnant actions of the state religious enforcement officers.

This arbitrary action of the JAIS and the police officers is an affront to the values of mutual respect and harmony which should be accorded to every person, regardless of religious, cultural or ethnic background in Malaysia.

We also wish to question the legality of the raid and the subsequent interrogation and harassment of the guests present at the dinner as to whether the officers were acting within their legal jurisdiction.

Christians are shocked and saddened at this deplorable action. In recent times, we have witnessed an increase in incidences where Christians have been singled out and targeted with unjustified accusations and prejudice from various groups as well as certain mainline media who have made inflammatory statements against the spirit of 1Malaysia.

We call upon the relevant authorities, including His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, to conduct a thorough investigation over this unjustified raid.

We also call upon the government and all Malaysians to work together to build a truly cohesive and harmonious society based on mutual respect, dialogue and understanding.

In this holy month of Ramadan, we Christians wish to extend our heartfelt greetings and felicitation to our Muslim friends.

Yours sincerely,
Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

4th August 2011

Note: CFM is a tripartite network of NECF, CCM and the Catholic Church.

Furore over Controversial 8TV Ramadan Public Service Ads

2011-08-04T01:49:00.000-07:00

AUG 4 — 8TV has gone on damage control mode after the flak the TV station took by pulling off all the Ramadan Public Service Ads (PSAs) and limiting the damage from cyberspace uploads on youtube. The station prides itself as the most liberal of the media family of Media Prima. Intended to have a fun, slapstick side to it - having an ala Miss Bean-cum-Whoopi Goldberg version but decidedly Chinese in a Malay Ramadan pasar - this obviously did not go down too well with the viewers of 8TV that has a higher multi-racial young urban demographic.

Watch Mediacorp Channel 5's coverage of the controversy and the full controversial footage of the ads here.

CCM STRONGLY CONDEMNS RAID ON DUMC CHURCH

2011-08-04T00:57:00.000-07:00

MEDIA STATEMENT

RAID OF ISLAMIC RELIGIOUS OFFICERS

ON A CHURCH IN PETALING JAYA

ON 3rd AUGUST 2011

The Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) strongly condemns the raid conducted by officers of the Selangor Islamic Religious Department ( JAIS) in the compound of the Dream Center where the Damansara Utama Methodist Church ( DUMC) carries out a number of religious and social services.

At the time of the raid, a Thanksgiving Dinner was held for all those involved in social services which covered a number of community projects.

The Council of Churches finds it totally unacceptable that enforcement officers from JAIS, accompanied by the police, had entered the premises of a church to carry out a raid without a search warrant.

Their action sets a dangerous precedent and makes a mockery of the sanctity of religious places, a view strongly upheld by all religious communities. It is also a violation of religious freedom as all religious communities are entitled to carry out activities within their premises without interference.

The manner the officers barged into the compound had caused undue trauma to all guests of the different ethnic communities , who were present to celebrate a goodwill dinner.

The raid does not vouch well for our country that seeks to promote itself as a land where the various religious communities live together in peace and harmony.

It also undermines the I Malaysia spirit that is promoted by our current Prime Minister and his government.

The CCM calls for an immediate investigation into the raid and for an explanation as to the powers under which the enforcement authorities based their action.

The CCM further seeks an assurance that such conduct will not be repeated by any enforcement authorities, whether JAIS or the police, in a religious compound.

In the light of this incident, the CCM joins leaders of all the different religious communities in asserting and upholding the sanctity of religious places.

We seek to send an unequivocal message to the authorities that such raids will not be tolerated by peace loving Malaysians.

The CCM calls upon all churches to join together in prayers for the peaceful resolution of this matter as soon as possible.

REV. DR. HERMEN SHASTRI

General Secretary

Council of Churches of Malaysia

4^th August 2011

DUMC's Press Statement of JAIS trespass

2011-08-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12909123/Press%20Statement%204Aug2011.pdf http://www.ziddu.com/downloadlink/15927045/DUMCCESPressStatement4Aug.pdf

BANK NEGARA MUST RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF EPF MEMBERS ON RHB CAPITAL SALE

2011-06-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Media Release

STATEMENT OF THE CCM YOUTH

“BANK NEGARA MUST RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF EPF MEMBERS ON RHB CAPITAL SALE”

20 June 2011

Kuala Lumpur – 20 June 2011. CCM Youth issued a press release today expressing their alarm and deep concerns over the recent article published by leading alternative media, The Malaysian Insider, dated June 19, 2011 entitled “Bank Negara’s conditions tripping Abu Dhabi’s RHB Sale.”

CCM Youth criticised Bank Negara Malaysia’s (“BNM”) role in its handling of the proposed transaction for the following reasons:

1. That BNM appeared to have deviated from its primary role as regulator to taking a partisan position by attempting to manipulate and manoeuvre what appeared to be the forced divestiture of RHB Capital Bhd at a lower price into the hands of one of the two leading government-linked and politically powerful banks – CIMB and Maybank - at the expense of major shareholder, the Employees Provident Fund (“EPF”).

2. That BNM had denied the thirteen (13) million members of the Employees Provident Fund (“EPF”) of their rights to full and fair pricing of RHB Capital as seen from the Central Bank’s recent aggressive intervention of setting harsh conditions on Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and new RHB shareholder Abu Dhabi investment fund, Aabar Investments. BNM’s actions had, in essence, denied the rights of EPF members the justice of highest gains possible from fair market pricing based on the latest benchmark set by the recent transaction of RM10.80 per share.

3. That both EPF and the directors of RHB Capital owed a fiduciary duty to shareholders as well as EPF members, as it was their duty to protect the financial welfare of their stakeholders by ensuring that they had undertaken an adequate and fair sales process to obtain fair and maximized consideration for all shareholders and EPF members in the proposed transaction. Failure to do so would be tantamount to a breach of this duty of care to act in the best interests of both the shareholders and EPF members, in particular, for failing to adequately stop the process prior to conclusion of the transaction, and for allowing the acquirer to underpay below a recently transacted price.

4. That BNM appeared to lack transparency in its managing of this potential takeover. CCM Youth reminded both EPF and RHB Capital’s boards to speak up against any moves by the Central Bank to force its sale. CCM Youth warned that failure on the part of BNM to manage the situation would expose EPF to the risk of a securities class action suit, if EPF, in particular, failed to act in the best interests of its contributors in the RHB Capital deal.

5. BNM’s contention that a high price for RHB Capital would be detrimental to the overall health of the Malaysian financial system was illogical. If both CIMB and Maybank could not afford the pricing, why trigger a merger then as this would create a “Too-Big-To-Fail” scenario that would pose an even greater risk and also give the impression that this deal was not done at arm’s length? Even so, if Maybank could afford to buy Indonesian bank BII at an inflated valuation exceeding three times price-to-book, how was it that RHB Capital’s 2.25 times price-to-book was suddenly deemed too expensive?

6. At first glance, both CIMB or Maybank appear to lack a clear strategic fit to acquire RHB Capital due to the high level of duplication of services offered by all three banking giants. Other than initial cost savings, the long term impact did not appear to pose any clear economic benefits given that it would result in massive lay-offs of employees and closure of branches. Hence CCM Youth opined that it was critical that any potential takeover must create value not only to the merged entity, but also to the industry as a whole.

CCM Youth felt that it would be better off for the Malaysian banking industry if BNM pursued the following options:

1. That BNM opened up to more bidders of the right scale for RHB Capital, especially interested foreign parties, and that BNM should “walk-the-governance-talk” by allowing an open tender offer with best price rules being enforced, and safe harbour provisions put in place.

2. That BNM allowed international mergers that would give existing local banks a bigger playing field. CCM Youth believed that it would benefit both consumers and investors to have banks that were more competitive and efficient.

3. That BNM must at all times protect the sanctity and independence of EPF given that half the population of this country are members. CCM Youth insisted that EPF be allowed a free hand to manage and create value in RHB Capital for the benefit of its stakeholders without fear of interference from any party. Failing which, CCM Youth believed the Rakyat would be seen to have been sold short of their lifetime savings if this proposed transaction was concluded at a lower price.

CCM Youth would persist to seek justice and uphold the rights of all investors and the financial welfare of the Rakyat by seeking better terms in all future M&A deals for the target side as this would benefit the integrity of the Malaysian capital market in the long run as well.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

(signed)

Daniel Chai

Secretary

CCM Youth

Truth and Lies about MyEmail

2011-05-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

Truth and Lies about MyEmail
by Idris Jala

Reported 6 May 2011

Since the 1Malaysia Email (an e-Government Entry Point Project in the ETP roadmap and henceforth referred to by its URL i.e. MyEmail) project was announced, there has been considerable criticism, controversy and misunderstanding arising from incorrect and false reports and commentaries.

While we have provided the facts, there appears to be certain quarters who refuse to accept the truth, preferring to 'spin' the facts in order to propagate their false assertions and portray the project negatively.

Here, I will detail the MyEmail project comprehensively and transparently in the hope that the public will get an undistorted perspective of the matter.

1.What is MyEmail?: Rationale, Concept and Business Model

Every year, the Government and related public agencies send out millions of correspondences to the rakyat such as quit rent notices, reminders to renew licences, assessment bills, traffic summons, EPF and income tax statements, and so forth. The cost of distributing these correspondences runs into millions of ringgit, annually.

Typically, five steps are needed before a correspondence goes out: (1) information needs to be extracted from the database (2) the information is then put into the respective correspondence formats (3) the correspondence is then printed (4) the correspondence is put into an envelope; and (5) a stamp is affixed before it is posted.

The total average cost for this entire process is about RM1.00 per correspondence, including system, paper and ink, and labour. It is easy to assume that the only cost is postage and conveniently forget that there are four other cost components.

In one of the ETP labs conducted in 2010, which included key members from the private and public sectors, and non-government organisations, it was envisaged that by sending these correspondences via email, we will save a lot of money for the Government. Instead of spending RM1.00 per correspondence, we can save about 50 sen, or in other words, halve the correspondence cost.

The cost saving is derived from the free email delivery. The remaining cost of 50 sen goes towards extracting the information required from the database and presenting them in the respective formats. Most agencies do not possess this system, also known as digital bill presentment solution. These two (out of the original five) cost components are not accounted for in the argument on ‘free’ email transport by other providers, espoused by the detractors.

However, it is necessary to ensure high security because the information involves personal data. People want their personal information and data to be kept confidential and secure. Hence, a critical success factor is that the email facility must be highly secure. This requirement is met with the one-time authentication using finger prints with the National Registration Department to ensure confidential information reach only the intended recipients.

It was also agreed in the lab that the project be driven and funded by the private sector so that the Government can enjoy the operational savings without even having to invest in the development expenditure. Hence, the idea was incorporated into the ETP roadmap to solicit private sector response.

Facilitated by MAMPU and GITN, proposals were received from five private companies. A competitive selection process was undertaken to ensure high technical standards and the right business model is adopted at the lowest cost and highest quality. The evaluation team selected Tricubes Berhad based on these criteria.

Tricubes will invest 100 per cent of the capital expenditure (capex) and operating expenditure (opex) required for this project. The Government will spend nothing in terms of investment and operating cost to run MyEmail.

Instead of sending correspondences to the rakyat in physical form, the Government will be able to send these via email and save millions of ringgit. Hardcopy correspondences will still be sent to those who do not have access to the Internet. Nonetheless, the operational savings for the Government will still be substantial. Simulations on four Government agencies alone showed an estimated cost savings in the region of at least RM200 million over 10 years.

Regardless of whether the Government agencies use MyEmail or otherwise, money will be spent to send correspondences to the rakyat. If the agencies use MyEmail, it will be on commercial terms just like paying for any other service. Therefore, it is wrong to say that paying for the service rendered is tantamount to the government financing Tricubes.

This service will be made available and marketed by Tricubes to Federal and State Governments and all public agencies independently. It is strictly voluntary: none of these units are obliged or forced to use the MyEmail facility, regardless of the fact that it will help them save money. As such, the assertion of concessions for Tricubes by all or various public agencies is absolutely baseless.

In addition, Tricubes can also market the same service to private entities, which will subject it to the full force of open competition. In fact, this model is similar to a credit card or online banking operator who has to market its services to potential merchants (both private and public sectors) and card holders or online users. In these models, operators earn their keeps by charging merchants on each transaction while costing card holders or online users nothing in most cases.

As MyEmail is strictly voluntary, its success depends on Tricubes’ ability to secure high percentage of people who accept it and register voluntarily.

Why do we need MyEmail and who benefits?

MyEmail offers a multitude of benefits to various parties:

1. The Government benefits because though it does not spend any money in terms of investment and cost to operate the system, it can save about 50 per cent of the current cost of sending correspondences. In 10 years, the project can save the four agencies used in the simulations at least RM200 million. If more agencies are convinced of the benefits of the service, the potential savings could be higher than RM200 million over the same 10 year period.

Despite having stated this fact, there are a small group of detractors who keep asserting without basis that this project is a waste of public funds. How can this be a waste of public money when not a single sen of public money is or will be spent, while a lot of public money can potentially be saved?

2. By investing up to RM50 million in a secure and efficient email system and value-added services over five years, Tricubes can generate revenue through service charges to the Government, its agencies and private sector clients as well as users of their value-added services. The plain email service is free.

While the Government will spend money for the services rendered by Tricubes similar to other services it uses, the amount spent will be significantly less than what it is current spending.

3. The rakyat benefits because they get a free MyEmail account which also allows effective and secure email communication between the Government and the individual rakyat. If they do not want MyEmail, there is no problem. This is strictly voluntary.

For those who decide to subscribe to this service, they will get their correspondences from the Government instantaneously and will not have to wait for normal mail. In addition, if the rakyat has any query, they can also use MyEmail, if they so choose, to communicate with various Government departments and agencies.

4. Apart from the Federal Government, all State Governments and public agencies could potentially benefit if they decide to use MyEmail.

It should be noted that State Governments under Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat may choose to use the MyEmail facility, if they are interested in saving public money. If they are not interested in saving 50 sen per correspondence by using MyEmail and instead prefer to spend RM1.00 per correspondence, then they are neither obliged nor forced to use MyEmail.

Conclusion

The majority of Malaysians are keen to know the facts so that they can form their own conclusions. However, regardless of the amount of information we provide on this issue, there will be a small minority that has already made up their minds. Even after we publish these facts, this small group will continue to reject the facts and find ways and means to distort the truth.

We hope that the information provided above, together with the accompanying summary of 10 important facts on MyEmail and Frequently Asked Questions, will help the largely silent majority better understand the context and rationale behind MyEmail and reject the misrepresentations spewed by the vocal minority.

Senator Dato’ Sri Idris Jala is the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department and CEO of Performance Management & Delivery Unit (PEMANDU). Lies and truth about MyEmail

Lie #1:
The Government is investing RM50 million in this project.

Truth #1:
Tricubes Berhad, a private company, is investing 100 per cent of the RM50 million.

Commentary:
There are a lot of false and misleading reports, articles and comments in the social media that the Government is undertaking the RM50 million investment for this project. These reports are totally incorrect.

This investment for this project comes entirely from Tricubes. The management of Tricubes has committed that they will initially invest RM5.3 million and subsequently over the years, increase the total investment to RM50 million.

The Government is not investing a single sen in MyEmail. This fact has been categorically confirmed by the Prime Minister, PEMANDU and Tricubes.

The onus is on Tricubes to secure the initial and total financing required, either through equity or debt, failing which the commercial failure is entirely theirs.

The people who are bent on portraying this project negatively continue to ignore the truth and refuse to make any correction, and continue to mislead the general public into believing that the Government is investing RM50 million in MyEmail.

Lie #2:
The Government is forcing people to be registered to use MyEmail.

Truth #2:
No one is forced to use it. The service is completely voluntary. People who want to use the service just have to register. If they do not want to use it, they need not register. It is that simple, nothing more than that.

Commentary:
Despite numerous clarifications about this fact, the purveyors of these lies continue to make their baseless assertions. One must wonder why they continue to spread these lies and what their motives are for doing so.

Lie #3:
The Government will use MyEmail to contact the people as a mechanism to win votes.

Truth #3:
MyEmail is owned by Tricubes and not owned by the Government. It has nothing to do with communicating with the public to campaign and win votes.
Commentary:
As with any database (such as those owned by banks, telecommunication companies etc), all individual personal information and data is owned by the individual operators concerned. The use of such information can only be done with the prior agreement of individual operators concerned.

If this myth is to hold any water, then even Pakatan Rakyat state governments can use it a channel to propagate their messages as this service is similarly open to them. Clearly, this is a baseless assertion.

Lie #4:
MyEmail is a waste of public money.

Truth #4:
MyEmail is not a waste of public funds as the Government will not spend even a single sen in terms of investment and operating cost to run the email system. On the other hand, it is estimated that the Government stands to save at least RM200 million over 10 years.

Commentary:
It is easy to assert that sending emails via other providers, sans the authentication process with the National Registration Department which may result in wrong recipients of confidential information, is free. These detractors choose to ignore there are still two out of the original five cost components that need to be accounted for, namely extracting the information required from the database and presenting them in the respective formats.

Lie #5:
MyEmail was ‘awarded’ to Tricubes to rescue a ‘crony’ company belonging to influential people connected with the Government.

Truth #5:
MyEmail was conceptualised as an Entry Point Project in an ETP lab. Tricubes was selected via a competitive process, conducted by MAMPU and GITN, and participated by four other parties.

Commentary:
If anyone has any evidence of fraud and corrupt practices, they should come forward with the evidence.

Lie #6:
MyEmail is the equivalent of a long-term concession to Tricubes.

Truth #6:
MyEmail is neither a concession nor a long-term commitment which binds the Government to use it for all its correspondences to the public.

Commentary:
If there is any company that can come up with a better, cheaper and even more secure email service, the Government and public agencies are completely at liberty to use their services, instead of Tricubes. With such complete independence to choose, how can it be a concession?

Joint Civil Society Organizations Statement of Love for Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters

2011-04-20T02:07:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Media Release

STATEMENT OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

“STATEMENT OF LOVE FOR OUR MUSLIM BROTHERS AND SISTERS”

20 April 2011

Kuala Lumpur – 20 April 2011. A group of civil society organisations have issued a joint press release today expressing their concerns on the recent report on Friday 15 April 2011 in a leading alternative media, The Malaysian Insider, on a gathering of people in Kuala Lumpur comprising several groups, who had made insidious statements against the Christians at large.

This group noted that not only had this news been carried in local news portals such as:

· Utusan Malaysia Online (http://utusan-malaysia-online.com/pembela-protes-alkitab-dakwa-kristian-mahu-murtad-muslim);

· Malaysia Today (http://malaysia-today.net/archives/archives-2011/39767-muslim-group-declares-jihad-against-extremist-christians);

But were also internationally syndicated and carried in news portals such as:

· USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/topics/article/putrajaya/06mob6Peqa0Te/1; and,

· Jihad Watch http://www.jihadwatch.org/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/br0nc0s/managed-mt/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Malaysia%20Bibles.

They were deeply concerned that the excerpts of the statements reported in The Malaysian Insider have appeared to pose an open warning and threat to fellow peace loving Malaysians.

They read as follows: -

“An umbrella coalition of Muslim groups held a protest today and declared they are willing to shed blood against ‘extremist’ Christians that insult and ridicule the position of Islam in this country…”

“We ask all Muslim leaders to unite against extremist Christians that challenge and insult Islam…”

They were saddened by this development and urged Malaysians not to further provoke or incite hatred and violence towards other fellow Malaysians of a different faith, by saying words capable of disrupting harmony and causing hatred, contempt, and raise disaffection with Christians or people of any other faiths. Such statements made are against the grain of Article 3 of our Federal Constitution which clearly states that other religions may be practised in peace and harmony, and that each and every religious group have the right to manage its own affairs, maintain and manage its own property and practice his own faith given under Article 11. CCM Youth believed that such views do not represent the sentiment of the majority of our peace loving Muslims in Malaysia.

The civil society groups supported the act of concerned citizen, Annou Xavier, in lodging a police report today to enable the police to investigate this matter, so as to protect and preserve the rights and liberty of every citizen from all religious beliefs in this nation. They hoped that this would prevent any future intimidation and threats of violence to be uttered against one another in public spaces.

These civil groups have expressed their unrelenting commitment to play a constructive role in facilitating the complex peace and reconciliation processes in this country. Therefore, they will endeavour as a united group to engage in dialogues and peace building processes with various Muslim groups, as well as fellow civil societies and concerned citizens in the public sphere, in efforts to promote and encourage better understanding and appreciation for one another, and to combat radicalization.

Lastly, as the Christian community enter the Holy Week of Good Friday and Easter to mark the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, all groups stood in solidarity that His message of peace, reconciliation and God’s love would never be lost.

Endorsed by (in alphabetical order):

All Women's Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)

Council of Churches of Malaysia Youth (CCM Youth)

Civil Rights Committee of Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)

Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)

LLG Cultural Development Centre

Malaysia Youth & Students Democratic Movement (DEMA)

Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower)

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM)

Media Contact Details:

Persons to Contact

Elaine Teh 016 221 7894 (on behalf of civil society organisations)

Articles from The Malaysian Insider

2011-04-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Peaceful loyalists?

Confrontational Extremists?

Pictures from The Malaysian Insider

Formation of Non-Islamic Societies in School & Intake for Mission Schools

2011-04-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES: FULL FREEDOM, FULL RIGHTS - NO TO 10-POINT PROPOSAL

2011-04-08T03:04:00.000-07:00

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.

5. 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

http://www.facebook.com/M68Youth

Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak: Kebebasan Beragama

2011-03-31T22:06:00.000-07:00

Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak

Surat Jemaat

Kebebasan Beragama

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.

Kami memuji Allah Bapa kita dan Tuhan kita Yesus Kristus kerana Sarawak adalah satu-satunya negeri di Malaysia di mana penduduk Kristian adalah majoriti, hampir setengah daripada jumlah penduduk di Sarawak. Ini adalah kerana niat baik dan berkat-berkat yang kita telah membenarkan seorang Melayu Muslim menjadi Ketua Menteri Sarawak sejak 1963, kecuali untuk tempoh yang singkat ketika seorang Kristian memegang jawatan itu sebelum dia dipecat pada tahun 1966 secara tidak berperlembagaan oleh Kerajaan Persekutuan.

Kami juga memuji Tuhan bahawa satu dari sepuluh orang di Malaysia adalah Kristian. Bahkan dua pertiga daripada penduduk Kristian di Malaysia adalah kaum bumiputera berbahasa Melayu dari Sarawak dan Sabah serta Orang Asli di Semenanjung Malaysia. Kita telah menggunakan Alkitab Bahasa Melayu atau BUP Kudus Iban sebagai Alkitab kita untuk beberapa generasi.

Bersama-sama dengan Sabah, Singapura dan Malaya, Sarawak membentuk Malaysia pada tahun 1963 di bawah Perjanjian Malaysia. Singapura meninggalkan persekutuan tersebut dua tahun kemudian. Sama seperti orang Melayu, kedudukan istimewa kita sebagai pribumi adalah dilindungi di bawah Perkara 153 Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

Sarawak telah membuat kedudukannya sangat jelas dalam apa yang dikenali sebagai 18-poins (20-poins untuk Sabah) dalam penyusunan Perjanjian Malaysia. Poin # 1 adalah tentang kebebasan beragama: "Sementara tidak ada bantahan terhadap Islam menjadi agama kebangsaan Malaysia, tidak boleh ada agama negeri di Borneo (Sarawak dan Sabah), dan peruntukan-peruntukan yang berkaitan dengan Islam dalam Perlembagaan Malaya tidak boleh diterapkan ke atas Borneo. "

Itulah semangat Perjanjian Malaysia walaupun poin ini diubah dalam draft akhir.

Penduduk Malaysia Timur lebih daripada murah hati dalam membuat kompromi ini dengan UMNO. Namun peristiwa baru-baru ini telah memaksa kita untuk mengambil kesimpulan bahawa ada agenda anti-Kristian yang jahat oleh Barisan Nasional terutamanya oleh UMNO dan proksinya di Sarawak. Ini sangat tidak berpelembagaan.

Uskup Ng Moon Hing, pengerusi Persekutuan Kristian Malaysia mengatakan dalam sebuah pernyataan pada 10 Mac 2011 atas rampasan secara haram 35,000 naskah Alkitab: "Ini seolah-olah pihak berkuasa sedang melancarkan satu program yang berterusan, diam-diam dan sistematik terhadap orang Kristian di Malaysia untuk menghalang mereka mengakses Alkitab dalam Bahasa Malaysia."

Kita telah menunjukkan toleransi yang besar walaupun tindakan provokatif terhadap iman kita dilakukan oleh komponen-komponen parti memerintah. Tetapi apabila Kerajaan menodai 35,000 naskhah Alkitab kita yang ditahan secara haram, itu menjadi satu panggilan untuk bangun bagi kita untuk membela hak perlembagaan kita untuk mengakui, mengamal dan menyebarkan iman kita.

Kita telah dikhianati oleh Barisan Nasional. Ketua Menteri dan kabinetnya, yang telah menduduki pejabat kerana kasih kurnia kita selama 30 tahun, telah terbukti tidak mampu mempertahankan kebebasan beragama di Sarawak. Sebab itulah mereka tidak boleh lagi berharap untuk menikmati kepercayaan kita dalam pilihanraya negeri yang akan datang.

Bahkan sebuah parti Islam seperti PAS juga menentang pendirian yang diambil oleh komponen parti memerintah terhadap Alkitab dan melarang bumiputera Kristian dari menggunakan kata Allah.

Kami ingin menegaskan di sini bahawa kami tidak menentang Islam tetapi menentang agenda anti Kristian Barisan Nasional, khususnya dalam penodaan 35,000 naskhah Alkitab kita. Mereka telah disita dan ditahan secara tidak berperlembagaan oleh Kementerian Dalam Negeri.

Agenda anti Kristian Barisan nasional bermula ketika Dr Mahathir Mohamad menjadi Perdana Menteri pada bulan Julai 1981 apabila dia mengharamkan Alkitab di bawah Perintah Kerajaan yang dibuat berdasarkan Akta Keselamatan dalam Negeri (ISA) pada tahun 1982. Apabila orang-orang Kristian membantah, dia kemudiannya menukarkanya kepada sebuah "larangan terhad" untuk digunakan di gereja-gereja sahaja.

Meskipun demikian, pelbagai pengiriman Alkitab dan penerbitan Kristian dalam Bahasa Malaysia tetap disita dan ditahan secara haram Kementerian Dalam Negeri dengan menggunakan Akta Penerbitan dan Percetakan. BUP Kudus atau Alkitab Bahasa Iban dilarang pada tahun 2003 oleh Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ketika beliau menjadi Perdana Menteri dan Menteri Keselamatan Dalam Negeri. Dia mengalah apabila dia menghadapi kemarahan orang-orang Iban.

Sekarang di bawah 1Malaysia Perdana Menteri Najib Razak, gangguan terhadap gereja dan orang Kristian terus berlanjutan mengarah kepada penodaan 35,000 naskah Alkitab dengan mencetak nombor siri dan kata-kata "Untuk Agama Kristian Sahaja." Kita tidak akan pernah setuju untuk ini kerana Alkitab bertujuan untuk siapapun yang berminat. Hanya penjenayah sahaja yang dikenalpasti dengan nombor siri.

Ini tidak bermakna bahawa kita tidak berkompromi demi keamanan. Kita bahkan telah cuba berkompromi dengan mencetak satu salib besar di muka depan Alkitab dengan kata-kata "Penerbitan Kristian" supaya orang Muslim tidak membeli atau menerima Alkitab dengan sengaja. Semua Alkitab dan penerbitan buku kristian dalam Bahasa Malaysia sekarang diletakkan di bawah bidang kuasa Bahagian Teks Al-Quran Kementerian Dalam Negeri. Penodaan Alkitab itu dilakukan oleh Bahagian ini.

Kekurangan Alkitab di Sarawak kerana rampasan haram Kitab Suci kita yang berterusan telah mencapai tahap krisis sekarang. Anak-anak dan cucu-cicit kita tidak mempunyai akses kepada Alkitab sejak mereka lahir!

Bukti yang ada di depan mata kita adalah bahawa Barisan Nasional sangat ghairah dalam cubaan memusnahkan Warisan Kristian kita di Sarawak dan Sabah dengan mengejar agenda anti Kristian mereka yang tidak berpelembagaan dan haram.

Sebab itulah Sidang Injil Baru Sarawak menyarankan orang Kristian untuk mengundi secara bijaksana dalam pemilihan negeri pada 16 April 2011 ini. Anda tidak perlu harus memilih Pembangkang. Undilah calon, termasuk yang dari Barisan Nasional, yang anda merasa dapat bertindak dengan hati nurani dan integriti yang jelas serta telah terbukti dalam membela kebebasan beragama.

Warisan Kristian kita sedang dipertaruhkan. Bertindaklah sekarang. Undilah dengan bijaksana. Berdoalah untuk campur tangan ilahi.

…saatnya telah tiba bagi kamu untuk bangun dari tidur. Sebab sekarang keselamatan sudah lebih dekat bagi kita daripada waktu kita menjadi percaya. (Roma 13:11)

Kasih karunia dan damai sejahtera menyertai kamu.

Sidang Injil Baru (SIB) Sarawak

Sri Aman

30 Mar 2011

PRESS STATEMENT OF BIBLE SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA

2011-03-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

PRESS STATEMENT

OF BIBLE SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA

29 MARCH 2011

The Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) today collected 5,000 copies of the Al Kitab, the Bahasa Malaysia Bible, which has been detained by the Home Affairs Ministry (KDN) since 20 March 2009.

In compliance with a letter from KDN dated 22 December 2005, BSM imported 5,000 copies of the Al Kitab with the sign of the cross and the words “Penerbitan Kristian” embossed on the front cover. In spite of this, the shipment of the Al Kitab was unjustifiably detained. In spite of many appeals, KDN refused to release the shipment for nearly two years.

On 15 March 2011, KDN faxed a letter to BSM informing that while the Bibles will be released, they must be stamped with new conditions. Before BSM can indicate their acceptance or rejection of these new conditions, KDN at 5 pm on 16 March 2011 informed BSM that the Bibles had already been stamped by KDN and asked BSM to collect the Bibles. BSM had since then made known their position that the action of KDN in stamping the Bibles amounted to an act of defacement and disrespect of the holy books of the Christians.

In view of KDN’s tendency to take arbitrary action without consultation of affected parties or respect for the religious sensitivities of the Christian community, BSM decided to collect the 5,000 copies of the Al Kitab to prevent the possibility of further acts of desecration or disrespect being committed against the holy books of the Christians by KDN and its officers.

The 5,000 copies of the Al Kitab that has been defaced by KDN cannot be sold to Christian buyers. Instead, they will be respectfully preserved as museum pieces and as a heritage for the Christian Church in Malaysia. This unfortunately will result in a loss of RM70,000 for BSM.

Concerning the offer to compensate BSM for the costs of this shipment, BSM wish to make its stand clear that BSM will only accept a cheque from KDN and will not accept any money from so-called “Christian donors.”

The Bible Society of Malaysia

29 March 2011

CFM MEDIA STATEMENT: PROTECT AND DEFEND CHRISTIANS’ RIGHT TO USE THE ALKITAB

2011-03-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

30^th March 2011

We are grateful to Almighty God for bringing together Christian leaders from across churches in Semenanjung, Sabah and Sarawak to address the current controversy surrounding the impounding of Bahasa Malaysia Bibles, the Alkitab, at Port Klang and Kuching. This decision weighs heavily on us because of the implications not only for Christians but for all Malaysians.

We are united in our reaffirmation of the freedom of religion and worship. Therefore, our position is that there should be no restrictions, proscriptions or prohibitions whatsoever on the Bible or the use of the language of our choice in the practice of our religion, as it was in the days before and after the formation of Malaysia.

Christians, like any other Malaysians, are not demanding for anything beyond our constitutional and fundamental human rights as enshrined in Article 11(1) of the Federal Constitution and Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The current controversy surrounding the Alkitab is just one of many issues that concerns Christians. There has been a systematic and progressive pushing back of the public space to practice, to profess and to express our faith. For example, the wearing and displaying of crosses and other religious symbols, using religious words and constructing places of worship have been restricted.

When Christians express this concern, we do so not just for ourselves but on behalf of all Malaysians. Our faith forms a critical component of our identity as Malaysians in nation-building as enshrined in the first pillar of our nation’s Rukunegara: Belief in God.

As regards the offer made by the government on 22 March 2011, we respectfully state that this does not address the substantive issues. In point of fact, our previous offer made in 2005 to use the term “A Christian Publication” was only honoured in respect of one shipment of the Alkitab. Subsequent shipments were similarly held up and subjected to further arbitrary conditions for release.

In order to move forward, we call on the Government to commit itself once and for all to remove every impediment, whether legal or administrative, to the importation, publication, distribution and use of the Alkitab and indeed to protect and defend our right to use the Alkitab.

This includes revoking all orders made under the Internal Security Act 1960, which have declared the Alkitab as a threat to national security. Neither can the Alkitab be considered a threat to public order under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984. We categorically reject the characterisation of our Holy Scriptures in this manner.

Instead, we see our Holy Scriptures as providing enlightenment and direction. In the words of the psalmist, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119 : 105). In the New Testament is stated the teaching that we hold dear and true : “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3 : 16)

We remain committed to work with the Government for a viable and long-term solution where the detailed processes and procedures are made clear and unequivocal and so long as our fundamental liberties as enshrined in the Federal Constitution are not infringed.

As for the copies of the Alkitab that have been impounded and desecrated, we reiterate our position that the action of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) in stamping the Bibles amounts to an act of defacement, disrespect and treating with disdain the holy book of the Christians.

Given the unfortunate experience of KDN’s tendency of taking arbitrary action without consulting affected parties or respecting the religious sensitivities of the Christian community, any decision to collect copies of the Alkitab which have been stamped and serialised would be with a view to prevent the possibility of further arbitrary acts of desecration, disrespect or destruction being committed against the Holy Scripture of the Christians by KDN and its officers.

We have left it to the 2 importers to decide whether or not to collect the Alkitab, based on their different specific circumstances and level of trust in the authorities and the processes in their local context.

Nevertheless, no matter what their decision is, we remain united in our common stand to uphold the principle of freedom of religion which includes the free availability without hindrance or obstacle of the Alkitab and all sacred scriptures in Malaysia.

We continue to call on all peace-loving Malaysians to pray for a dignified resolution to these critical issues in the life of our nation.

Dated this day 30^th March 2011

(signed)

Bishop Ng Moon Hing

Chairman and the Executive Committee

The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Malaysian Christians - Unite in prayer on 20 March 2011 (Sunday)

2011-03-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

We as Malaysian Christians have been disturbed, angered and frustrated as we have all witnessed over the past few weeks, as the episode enfolded with regards to our BM Bibles. While many of us jumped with glee when we received the news just this Tuesday that all the 35,000 BM Bibles will be released, but we were soon again left feeling angered and disappointed with the 2 disrespectful and oppresive conditions set by the Home Ministry in order for the BM Bibles to be release.

Hence forth, our leaders represented through CFM have issued a media release the following day to express our deep disappointment with the government for such act of disrespecting and defacing God’s Holy Scripture. In the same statement, CFM also declared that no earthly authority should treat our Holy Bible like how it is treated by the government authorities.

Many political parties have taken on the opportunity to gain political favor from this troubling chain of events. However, as Christians we must recognize that this is the beginning of the persecution of our faith here in Malaysia even though our Federal Constitution protects our religious freedom.

At such time, it is very crucial for us to seek God earnestly in prayer because this battle belongs to God, such disrespectful act goes beyond just the Christian community here in Malaysia but it’s a blatant disregard of our Almighty God.

Therefore, the time has come for us to unite in prayers for us to intercede and seek God’s mercy for Malaysia and for Him to guide us in our action as we be His voice in our beloved nation. Let us heed the call from our leaders to be united in our prayers this 20 March 2011 (Sunday) as we solemnly mark the 2nd anniversary of the BM Bibles impounded in Port Klang. Let us mobilize our churches, various Christian groups and organizations on this very day to cry out to God in humility for Him to intervene and His name glorified in Malaysia.

We have received the latest news confirming that the 30,000 BM Bibles in Sarawak have been stamped with KDN’s chop and serial number written inside each Bible.

It is now time for us to arise and shine for our Lord Jesus!

Numbers 10:9, “When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies.”

This is the prayer that is encouraged for us to pray:

Heavenly Father, you have taught us that your word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.

We thank you for the revelation of your eternal word in the Bible for all humanity.

We pray that each and every searching soul on earth will have access to your divine Word as contained in the scriptures.

We affirm that no temporal authority on earth can deny access to your Word of Salvation.

We join our hearts to pray that every temporal impediment will be cast aside, so that your Word will touch the hearts of all these who seek your face.

We commit our government into your hands, and pray that you will move the hearts of law-makers in country to remove every obstacle to free access of the Bible in BM.

As your faithful witnesses we pledge to do everything within our means to secure the complete freedom of religious belief and practice in our nation.

May your Word prosper in all areas of life in our nation.

This we pray, in the Name of the one who is the Alpha and Omega of our faith, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. AMEN.

Regards,

Elaine Teh
Coordinator - Social, Economic & Environment Justice
CCM Youth
Email: ccmyouthnetwork@gmail.com
Twitter: CCMYouth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M68Youth

CFM MEDIA STATEMENT - HOLY SCRIPTURES DESECRATED

2011-03-17T06:25:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

17th March 2011

The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.

Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.

However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words "by order of the Minister of Home Affairs".

This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.

The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the "goal posts" over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.

We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.

The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.

We also wholly reject the Government’s contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.

As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.

We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.

We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.

We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.

Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing Chairman and the Executive Committee,

Christian Federation of Malaysia

MEDIA STATEMENT BY CFM - DETENTION OF BAHASA MALAYSIA BIBLES YET AGAIN

2011-03-10T04:12:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

10 March 2011

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is greatly disillusioned, fed-up and angered by the repeated detention of Bibles written in our national language, Bahasa Malaysia. This time yet again at the Port of Kuching in Sarawak.

30,000 copies of the "Perjanjian Baru, Mazmur dan Amsal" i.e. the "New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs" are currently being withheld.

This is notwithstanding that the Government in its attempt to to justify its position against the use of the word "Allah" in the Alkitab, the Government had given the assurance that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia, will be freely available, at least in Sabah and Sarawak.

Since March 2009, all attempts to import the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia, i.e. the Alkitab, whether through Port Klang or the Port of Kuching, have been thwarted.

The previous consignment of 5,000 copies of the Alkitab imported in March 2009 is still being held by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Port Klang. This is despite repeated appeals which resulted in the Prime Minister making a decision to release the Alkitab held in Port Klang in December 2009 which was reported to CFM leaders by several Cabinet Ministers and their aides.

In absolute disregard of this decision, the 5,000 copies of the Alkitab remain detained. The Prime Minister when told about the continued detention of these 5,000 Bibles at a hi-tea event last Christmas expressed surprise that the order to release the same held in Port Klang had not been implemented. However, nothing has been done by the authorities to ensure their release.

Prior to March 2009, there were several incidents where shipments of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia were detained. Each time tedious steps had to be taken to secure their release. 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.

Malaysian Christians, many of whom have grown up with Bahasa Malaysia as their principal medium of communication as a result of the Government’s education policies, must have access to Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia in order to read, comprehend and practise their faith.

The freedom of religion guaranteed as part of the fundamental liberties under our Federal Constitution is rendered meaningless if adherents to a religion are denied access to their religious texts in a language that they can understand.

It is an affront to them that they are being deprived of their sacred Scriptures. Many are wondering why their Scriptures are considered a threat to national security. All these actions in relation to the detention of the Bibles continue to hurt the Malaysian Christian community.

We would ask how the Government’s transformation programme can be successfully implemented if civil servants can blatantly refuse to obey the Prime Minister’s order? Is the Government powerless to act against these "little Napoleons" who substitute their own interests and agenda in place of the Prime Minister’s directives?

We call upon the Government to act now and prove their sincerity and integrity in dealing with the Malaysian Christian community on this and all other issues which we have been raising with them since the formation of the Christian Federation of Malaysia in 1985.

As an immediate step, we insist upon the immediate release of all Bibles which have been detained.

Bishop Ng Moon Hing Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia