For context, please refer to The Malaysian Insider, Paranoid’ aides told church to remove crosses for Najib visit, 29 December 2010.
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Media statement by YB Teresa Kok, Selangor State Senior EXCO and Member of Parliament for Seputeh dated 30 December 2010
Najib should apologise to Christian Federation of Malaysia for “de-Christianising” their Christmas celebration, which yet again denied Malaysians the right to freedom of religion
The Prime Minister’s Office’s directive to remove crucifixes and prohibit Christian hymns and Christian prayers at the Christian Federation of Malaysia’s high tea on Christmas Day last Saturday was highly disrespectful and yet another act by the Government to deny Malaysians the right to freedom of religion.
Such an order from the Prime Minister’s Office’s shows how insincere and ungracious Najib behaved as a guest at the celebration held at the Catholic Church Archbishop’s residence. It is doubtful that Najib could have been unaware that his office had issued such a directive and far more likely that he is back-pedaling after having been exposed and publicly shamed.
The Prime Minister’s Office’s directive is a betrayal of the multi-ethnic, multi-religious 1Malaysia that Najib so fervently preaches. If only Najib would match his beautifully written PR spiel with credible action.
I therefore urge Najib to issue a public apology and direct the Government to respect the traditions of Christmas and the right of all Malaysians to freedom of religion.
I hope Najib and his office can be aware that there is a deeper meaning to Christmas beyond the Santa Claus and snow, and that that deeper meaning should be respected.
Teresa Kok
dear ms teresa,
while i agree with your assesment, let us give our pm some good counsel rather than just pick on him and his (his officers) faults.
if he finds it threatening his islamic values in attending functions like this, then he should send his representative who is a christian or even one who may not be offended what christianity stands for.
blessings!
ned
dear MP,
while it is gracious of you to demand an apology from Najib in spite of his possible ignorance that his department made such an offending request – I’m sure the Malaysian Christian population has already forgiven our PM.
It is just our wish that he be aware of such hypocrisy for asking a united, so-called “muhibbah” 1Malaysia while his staff behaves the opposite.
I can only assume that his people do not realise that such a request of the removal of the crosses/crucifix/hymns and prayers for the Christmas celebration is akin to letting Christians celebrate Christ’s birthday without letting Jesus attend His own birthday party for the sake of Najib’s presence. How ironic is that?
May God forgive Najib and his staff for their indiscretions.
Dear YB Teesa,
First of all let me wish you a Blessed Christmas. What I am more interested to know is whether the Archbishop did as was instructed ie remove crucifixes and not sing Hymns. If he did then he would be worse than the people issuing the directives. If he did not then I salute him. Please confirm what I already know in my heart.
Thank You.
Dear YB Teresa
May God bless u abundantly for always standing up for us. Surprisingly the Star newspaper reported on the event as such a success filled with goodwill but when it comes to our PM u must be one of the 3 BLIND MICE to believe what he says or promises. Can u imagine if God gave Najib the nose of Pinnochio? What a handsome sight he would be…HAHAHA. Being a Catholic, I believe that our Archbishop would not have entertained their directives, for he has always stood up for what is right. Let Najib do whatever he wants cos as much as he can get away wt anything here in MALAYsia, let’s see him even try to outrun God. There is a time for everything. Alleluia Amen. God Bless.