show cause letters and warnings is an insult to christianity

UPDATED with press statement from the christian federation of malaysia (CFM). scroll down to read.

two days ago i posted martin jalleh’s article ‘home minister very at home with his ignorance‘. he had called me up in the morning on that day (wednesday), to ask for my email to send me the article. so immediately after 5.00pm that day, i quickly posted it in my blog and also send to beritamalaysia. i then notice it appeared in lim kit siang’s blog too and yesterday i spy it the letter’s page of malaysiakini. good that it appeared in malaysiakini, since it is a popular site and widely read by all, even by many of the ministers.

martin’s article suddenly reminds me of a ‘warning’ letter my colleague, stanley, wrote to the PM and the home minister, which i’m going to share with you. it’s a good letter except… er… i don’t really like the ‘warning’ tone.

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DATO’ SERI ABDULLAH BIN HAJI AHMAD BADAWI
Pejabat Perdana Menteri,
Bangunan Perdana Putra,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62502 PUTRAJAYA.

DATO’ SERI SYED HAMID BIN SYED JAAFAR ALBAR
Menteri Dalam Negeri,
Kementerian Dalam Negeri,
Aras 12, Blok D1, Parcel D,
Pusat Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62502PUTRAJAYA.                                                                                                                                                              
                                       
16th August 08

 
Dear Minister,
 
 
SHOW-CAUSE LETTER AND WARNINGS IS AN INSULT TO CHRISTIANITY

Referring to the recent threats and warning to HERALD PUBLICATION by the Home Ministry, that it will revoked the license permitted to Herald, It is an insult to Christianity by stopping the publication from reporting the truth.  Christianity speaks for justice, truth, love and peace. Justice, Truth, love and peace was preached and practiced by JESUS him self. Therefor, threatening, banning or stopping this character-ism or Christian values from taking place is an challenge and insult to Christianity and it`s teachings.
 
I warn the Home Ministry and the ruling government not to interfere with the teachings of  Christianity and challenge our rights. Under Article 11 (3) of the federal Constitution, all humans are protected of their right to freedom of expression and speech. Therefor, no law can over write the Federal Constitution. The priest and bishops of the Catholic Church is God`s anointed and chosen one.  It is their responsibility to educate and advice the followers of Jesus Christ in any matter including politics, governing, education, family, religion and more. Herald is a way of communication to the thousands of Catholics nation wide.
 
I again warn the Home Minister not to underestimate or insult the Wisdom and holy thoughts of our priest and bishops which  is given by Allah.  The Home Ministry need not advise or set rules for the Herald Publication as it is fully a Christian Publication under the guideline’s and principles of  the Holy Bible for the Christian community. The report on the Permatang Pauh by-election is a must for the publication as it is part of the Christian teachings "Governing and Leaders".  Christianity and governing cannot be separated as it is part of the holy bible from the very beginning it self. Stories of Rulers and governments appears in the Holy Bible many time educating it`s followers on the teaching of the Church. We have every right to practice the teachings of our religion freely without limitation or rules set by the Home Ministry.
 
The story of an Egyptian journalist who converted to Christianity is an testimony for the Christians. Such testimony is for the glory of Allah. No Ministry or Authority can stop anyone from testifying the truth, for the Glory of Allah. I called upon the Home Minister for an open apology and the ruling government to show respect on the teachings and belief of other religions in Malaysia in order to maintain peace and harmony in this multi racial society for the benefit of all it`s rakyat. Continuous unacceptable remarks by the Home Ministry on the Herald Publication may lead to stages of protest and demonstrations nation wide. Let us together defeat injustice, lies and hatred in this nation which is full of love from Allah. Peace be with you

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CHRISTIAN  FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
10 Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel:  03-79571278, 03-7957146, Fax: 03-79571457
Email:  cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ‘SHOW CAUSE’ LETTER ISSUED TO THE HERALD

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) regards the three warning letters sent by the Home Affairs Ministry to the publishers of the Herald as unjustified and an infringement of the right to circulate news within once’s own religious community, a right guaranteed by our Federal Constitution (Artilce 11).

Christians believe that all of its life, in its political, economical, social, cultural and religious aspects come under the sovereignty of God. Therefore, Christians have a duty to educate its members to discern God’s will and purpose by writing and publishing articles in such newsletters.

Furthermore, the weekly news contained in the Herald is intended for Catholics Christians who are regular Sunday worshipers, in order to help them relate their faith to wider concerns and to pray effectively for God’s blessings and guidance in one’s life, nation and the world.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) calls upon the Home Affairs Ministry to unconditionally withdraw the ‘show cause’ letters and grant Herald their renewable publishing permit. Should there be matters for clarification, it should be resolved rationally and reasonably through face to face dialogue.

Bishop Dr Paul Tan Che Ing, SJ
Chairman, Christian Federation of Malaysia

Dated:  14th August 2008
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