Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today condemned the attack on the historical All Saints Church in Taiping and on the christian community as a whole.
He urged Malaysians to unite and fight against groups which fuel animosity and use religion to further their political agenda.
“We must defend freedom of religion, “ he said, adding that the current situation was a test of strength of all the religions and to those who believed in peace and mutual respect.
“We must uphold rule 11 of the Federal Constitution will guarantees freedom of religion and the right of each community to secure the needs of their religious followers,” just before meeting church leaders this evening.
Since Friday six churches – Metro Tabernacle, Assumption, Life Chapel, All Saints and St Xavier, and a convent school have been attacked .
While admitting to the surging mood of discontent among muslims in Malaysia following the Dec 31 Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling which declared that the Home Ministry had no right to ban the use of the term “Allah” by catholic weekly, Herald, in its Bahasa Malaysia version, Anwar said attacks on churches and protests hindered efforts to find an amicable solutions.
He blamed the Umno-led Barisan National government and the media, in particular Utusan Malaysia, for its blinkered religious views and for fuelling hatred and religious intolerance.
He noted with happiness that many muslims organisations had come forward to condemn the attacks on the churches and welcomed the call by christian leaders to its followers to remain calm.
“We must engage in dialogue and overcome the voices which are fuelling animosity in this country. Pakata is going down the ranks to ensure our Christian friends feel safe,” he said.
FMT
10/01/10
He urged Malaysians to unite and fight against groups which fuel animosity and use religion to further their political agenda.
“We must defend freedom of religion, “ he said, adding that the current situation was a test of strength of all the religions and to those who believed in peace and mutual respect.
“We must uphold rule 11 of the Federal Constitution will guarantees freedom of religion and the right of each community to secure the needs of their religious followers,” just before meeting church leaders this evening.
Since Friday six churches – Metro Tabernacle, Assumption, Life Chapel, All Saints and St Xavier, and a convent school have been attacked .
While admitting to the surging mood of discontent among muslims in Malaysia following the Dec 31 Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling which declared that the Home Ministry had no right to ban the use of the term “Allah” by catholic weekly, Herald, in its Bahasa Malaysia version, Anwar said attacks on churches and protests hindered efforts to find an amicable solutions.
He blamed the Umno-led Barisan National government and the media, in particular Utusan Malaysia, for its blinkered religious views and for fuelling hatred and religious intolerance.
He noted with happiness that many muslims organisations had come forward to condemn the attacks on the churches and welcomed the call by christian leaders to its followers to remain calm.
“We must engage in dialogue and overcome the voices which are fuelling animosity in this country. Pakata is going down the ranks to ensure our Christian friends feel safe,” he said.
FMT
10/01/10
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