SIBU: With 53 percent of Sibu’s voters subscribing to the Christian faith, religious freedom is an issue close to their hearts, especially since the fiery uproar in Peninsular Malaysia over the use of the term ‘Allah” by non-Muslims last December.
While the BN plays coy, side-stepping questions pertaining to the issue, the painful episode has been high on PAS’ priority list in Sibu.
Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, Kota Raja MP Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud and several PAS leaders held talks with church groups to discuss matters relating to the issue and religious worship.
“We met many Christians in Sibu. They were uncomfortable talking at first. Open discussions has not been the Umno-BN way.
"Our way of open dialogue is new to them and we have been engaging in talks with various groups. We hope to dispel notions that PAS is an extremist party.
"BN has portrayed us as anti-Muslims. That is not who we are. PAS is prepared to work closely with its Pakatan partners and the non-Muslim community,” said Khalid after visiting the Sacred Heart Church over the weekend here.
Sibu is historically a Christian town. Churches can be found in every nook and cranny of the city and shrines of Mary, mother of Jesus, are as common as traffic lights in Kuala Lumpur.
The outpouring of venom by Umno-BN leaders and Muslim organisations in Peninsular Malaysia against Christians following the KL High Court ruling last December which allowed Christians to use the term “Allah” has cut deep.
To the Christians, BN is a known double-edged sword and PAS, an unknown entity in sheep's clothing.
Khalid said: “We’re introducing ourselves and telling them that we do not harbour ill intent or carry enmity against other religions.
"PAS respects the right of every citizen to embrace and practice their own religion. We are not the kind of party that BN is painting us out to be. We’re trying to heal wounds…”
Fearing for their faith
According to Khalid, the fact that worshippers at the Sacred Heart Church had welcomed PAS leaders showed their interest in knowing more about Pakatan.
At the height of the attack on churches and protests in January, Pakatan and its coalition partner, PAS, stood their ground condemning the racist outpourings of Umno-BN leaders.
"It was the Pakatan coalition, not BN who stood by the Christian community and defended the right to practice one's own faith as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," said Khalid.
"And it was PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, deputy PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and PKR de factor leader Anwar Ibrahim who initiated inter-faith dialogues and met with leaders of the Christian faith.
"If the BN has forgotten those dark days in January 2010, Sibu and Sarawak Christians have not," added Khalid.
At a closed-door meeting with church leaders on Saturday, 60 priests voiced their concerns and fears over the federal government’s interference in the practice of the Christian faith.
They were concerned that if today BN banned the use of the term ‘Allah”, tomorrow and in the future other Christian practices will be also become an issue.
“It was a dialogue between PAS members and the (Christian) community. We don’t have an issue meeting with the community. We answered their questions truthfully and dispelled their suspicions,” said Siti Mariah.
“At the end of the dialogue, the request made by the Christian community here was for justice, equality and a responsible administration. We welcome and support this demand.”
Khalid said that for Pakatan, religion is not a political tool to garner votes but a guideline to mould a mature, modern and principled society.
“Religion must be reflected in an individual’s actions. If we pray but at the same time act unjust, support corruption and cruelty to others, then we vilify and trivialise god."
Free Malaysia Today
10/05/10
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