The police had reportedly forced down the barrier and burned down the adjacent structures set up by the Temiar, who were merely expressing their stance in their struggle to claim back their rights to the native lands. The family members and friends were reportedly prevented from accompanying them to the detention centre and they were also denied legal representation before being released several hours later. The Commission calls upon the State Government to act expeditiously in resolving the plight of the Orang Asli in Kelantan and to protect their rights to their ancestral lands and livelihood. It also urges that all State Governments respect court decisions awarding the rights to land of the Orang Asli and hold more open consultations with the communities.

The Commission is currently holding its first ever National Inquiry into the land rights of the indigenous peoples with the goals to develop recommendations to the Federal and State Governments to review domestic land laws and policies to incorporate human rights elements and to formulate strategies and plan of action with the aim of protecting and promoting the indigenous peoples’ rights to land.

“HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL”
TAN SRI HASMY AGAM
Chairman
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
31 January 2012

4th January 2012

(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:

1. 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
1. 2005 and revised in a document entitled “UNITY THREATENED BY CONTINUING INFRINGEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM” dated 15 June 2007. The issues mentioned here include –
2. The refusal of civil courts to adjudicate cases where the Islamic ingredient is present.
3. Conversion cases that cause hardships to families.
4. Land for places of worship and burial grounds.
5. Lack of consultation on issues which affect non-Muslims.
2. 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. Standard policy for places of worship, land for worship, cemetery, foreign religious workers, etc.
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. Tax exemption status for religious organisations and charities, welfare centres and homes.
4. To have a Minister in charge of religious affairs (in particular for religions other than Islam)
5. Freedom of publications and usage of religious / Scripture books of each religion.
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

Bersih 2.0 welcomes certain reforms adopted by the interim report of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Electoral Reform. However, based on news report, out of Bersih 2.0’s 8 demands, only one is fully adopted while two others are partially adopted but five other demands have yet to be included. The one demand fully adopted is the implementation of indelible ink.

A demand that is partially addressed is the cleaning up of the Electoral Rolls, whereby a thorough audit of the electoral rolls is proposed but without a long-term mechanism. While the removal of RM10 fee for objection of each new voter is adopted, other proposals by Bersih 2.0 are yet to be addressed. These other proposals are:

1. Automatic voter registration, without which 3.7 million eligible citizens will be disenfranchised.
2. A monthly revision of the supplementary electoral roll instead of the current duration of 3 months to ensure timely inclusion of new voters (with or without automatic voter registration).
3. Supplementary electoral roll should be displayed both online and on location in enable easy access for voters. While the PSC interim report recommends for the display time to be extended from 7 days to 14 days, Bersih 2.0 recommends that display time should be a minimum period of 30 days.
4. Certified principal and supplementary rolls must be open for challenge in court and subject to a transparent process of objection and claim.
5. Setting up of an independent auditing committee to maintain and enhance integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls, rather than leaving the regular power of cleaning up at the end of the Election Commission (EC)
6. Reducing the cost of purchasing electoral rolls to enhance public scrutiny.

The other demand partially adopted is reform of absentee voting. We welcome the extension of such right to all Malaysians living overseas and East Malaysians living in Peninsula Malaysia and vice versa. In relation to absentee voting, we would like the PSC final report to make these specific recommendations:

1. In principle, the current practice of separate ordinary voter and permanent postal voters in the electoral rolls, which makes manipulation and intimidation easy, must end. All voters should be on one roll with the right to apply for absentee voting. Hence, the size of absentee voters will depend on application.
2. The right to absentee voting should encompass all civilian voters who are at least 250 km away from their constituencies on polling day. It is unfair if, for instance, Sarawakians are expected to travel from Miri back to Kuching to vote.
3. Military and police voters should be allowed to register for their home constituencies rather than where they serve, as in the case of overseas voters. Forcing the service voters to vote in constituencies where they serve but have no permanent interests is unfair to both themselves and the locals. For instance, in the last Sarawak state elections, more than 18,000 or 2% strong of the electorate were postal voters. Majority of them were non-Sarawakian soldiers and police, who could be king-makers in marginal constituencies.
4. Postal voting must be abolished for all except overseas voters beyond the reach of our foreign missions. This is to terminate the flawed practice of allowing postal voters to bring home their ballots and return them some time later.
5. Distance voting centres must therefore be set up in all our foreign missions, major towns in every West Malaysian state, every division in Sarawak and every residency in Sabah.
6. We support the proposals of allowing military and police voters to vote in advance but the polling centres for them must be out of their barracks and police stations, and the voting process must be under full scrutiny of party agents.
7. To make absentee voting possible, the campaign period should be extended to a minimum of 21 days or more to ensure adequate time for voters to apply for absentee voting and subsequent logistic preparation.

We note that the PSC has also taken on board other recommendations made by Bersih 2.0 in our submission to the PSC on 12 November 2011 and in the past. These include:

1. Election Commission to be made independent and empowered to enforce election laws
2. Forming a Royal Commission of Inquiry to probe into allegations of citizenships being given out in exchange for votes at Sabah
3. Rearranging of desks in polling centres to enable better scrutiny

However, the PSC interim report has yet to respond to five other immediate demands of Bersih 2.0 which are:

1. Setting a minimum campaign period of 21 days
2. Free and Fair Access of Media:
1. Free airtime on state media
2. Televised debate between candidates for Prime Minister and key party leaders
3. Provision for right of reply
3. Strengthening Public Institutions
1. Regulate the conduct of the governments in general or by-elections to ensure impartiality and neutrality, including establishing a Code of Conduct
2. Adopt the practice of an impartial caretaker government
4. Stop Corruption
1. The EC should use its enforcement unit to actively deter corrupt practices and lodge police reports when allegations emerge
2. Vigilant monitoring mechanism for pre- and during elections should be established to detect and prevent corruption including a reporting system to allow for public to report evidences of vote buying
5. Stopping Dirty Politics
1. A Code of Conduct should be established to regulate behaviour of parties and candidates such as the Model Code of Conduct for the Guidance of Political Parties and Candidates used by the Election Commission of India.

We note that there has been no recommendation made to the issues plaguing the process of constituency re-delineation despite strong representations made by Bersih 2.0 and other citizens. Reforming the current manner of the drawing of boundaries is equally of grave importance in ensuring that each vote is accorded its due value.

Bersih 2.0 is also gravely concerned that the recommendation to remove serial number on ballot papers may create possibility of ballot stuffing. It would be wiser to give ballot papers to voter at random instead of following the serial numbers. This can be done by tearing a few ballot papers at once and letting the voter pick his or her own ballot paper. We call for this recommendation to be withdrawn.

Bersih 2.0 emphasises that the EC and any other relevant government agencies must implement the Bersih 2.0 8 demands and the recommendations made by the PSC without further delay while the PSC prepares its final report. The aspiration to improve democratic processes and to guarantee the basic right to free and fair elections of every Malaysian must be present in the national electoral management body and any other enforcement agencies with a role to play in the electoral process. We hope to hear of no more excuses from the EC, but more action taken towards improving the electoral system.

Bersih 2.0 also calls on the EC and other stakeholders to publish a monthly progress report on the implementation of the PSC recommendations and recommendations made by Bersih 2.0 and other groups.

Finally, Bersih 2.0 reminds the PSC, the EC and the Government that the 8 demands of Bersih 2.0 is the bare minimum to ensure that the 13th General Elections will be reasonably clean and fair. The public will not tolerate any attempts to use the PSC to divert pressure on electoral reform.

Salam Bersih 2.0!

Issued by the steering committee of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) comprising:

Ambiga Sreenevasan (Chairperson), Andrew Khoo, Arul Prakkash, Arumugam K., Farouk Musa, Liau Kok Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Subramaniam Pillay, Toh Kin Woon, Wong Chin Huat, Yeo Yang Poh and Zaid Kamaruddin.

29 November 2011

We, the members of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, affirm that we are jointly committed to the mission and gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:16-20) and the common shared goals of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).

We recognise that any attempts to actively win ‘converts’ from one another’s fold would undermine that same mission.

Therefore, we would like to reiterate our position that we do not condone the practice of actively proselytising and recruiting members from another Christian community “for purposes of institutional or denominational aggrandizement”. (1)

Our position does not detract from our recognition of the right and freedom of individuals to choose the community in which they wish to belong to.

We affirm once again our commitment to promote Christian unity among ourselves in order that we may continue advancing the mission of Christ and our common shared goals under the Christian Federation of Malaysia, despite the existence of certain theological differences amongst us.

Thank you and may the blessings of God be with you this Christmas season.

Yours sincerely,

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

(1) Note : Catholics and Evangelicals Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium (1994). See text in http://www.firstthings.com/article/2007/01/evangelicals—catholics- together-the-christian-mission-in-the-third-millennium-2

MALAYSIANS APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE OPTION TO LEARN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS IN ENGLISH (RETAIN PPSMI AS AN OPTION)

You would have heard by now that the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in English (better known as PPSMI) will be abolished in January 2012. The Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) has been in the forefront to champion the cause to maintain the policy for those who wish their children to learn these two (2) subjects in its lingua franca that is English.

Here is how the abolishment of this policy is going to affect you.

For Primary School Students

You have been learning Science and Mathematics in English since Standard 1, however when you enter into Form 1, you will have to learn these subjects in Bahasa Melayu until Form 5 and do your PMR and SPM in Bahasa Melayu. After SPM, you will revert the study of these two (2) subjects back to English.

For Secondary School Students

If you are entering Form 1 in 2012, then you have been learning Science and Mathematics in English since Standard 1, however in 2012, you will have to learn these subjects in Bahasa Melayu from Form 1 until Form 5 and do your PMR and SPM in Bahasa Melayu.

If you are entering Form 4 in 2012, be prepared… you may have to switch to Bahasa Melayu for Science and Maths after learning these subjects in English for the past 9 years, do your SPM in Bahasa Melayu and then switch back to English when you enter college or university. Yes we know this is crazy and unless you are “super-adaptable”, you will most likely be stressed out and confused. We have heard that the choice of language for Form 4 in 2012 may be determined by the Gurubesar of the different schools (???).

If you are not in Form 1 or Form 4 in 2012, there is no escape either. You WILL eventually be affected by the change when you reach Form 4.

If you have just completed your SPM in 2011, then you are in the luckiest group!!! You will be able to go straight into college and continue to do these subjects in English.

For Parents and Malaysians in General

After only a few years of implementing PPSMI and despite strong evidence that PPSMI is good for our students and Malaysia’s future generations, the Government has decided to change its mind and will abolish this policy in 2012. They think that it is best for ALL Malaysian school children NOT to learn Science and Mathematics in English. They actually believe that learning these two subjects in Bahasa Melayu is adequate and equivalent (or better) than to learn it in Englsh!!!???

The sad truth is that despite the constant voices that they hear and read wishing for the option of PPSMI, the authorities seemed determined to proceed with the abolishment with the excuse that PPSMI will be replaced with another policy known as MBMMBI, to improve the standard of English amongst Malaysian students.

They keep missing the point (maybe on purpose) that we want PPSMI, not to improve the standard of English but rather, we want PPSMI simply because of the need to learn the subjects of Science and Mathematics in its lingua franca, that is English, for our children to be globally competitive, and for our nation to progress in the desired direction and speed.

In realising that perhaps the voices speaking out for the retention of the PPSMI policy (for those who want it) are too soft or too sporadic, PAGE Malaysia has decided to go all out on a nationwide wide and international campaign to reach out to as many Malaysian students and Malaysians wherever they are in the world, to come together as one and to build up the voice of the “silent majority” to inform the authorities that there exists a large and substantial number of Malaysian citizens (children and adults) would like to have the option for our students to learn Science and Mathematics in English.

We are not against the MBMMBI policy nor are we against the wishes of other groups who prefer to learn Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin or Tamil.

We are simply asking to be heard and for the right to have the freedom of choice for an option to learn these two subjects in English, alongside Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and Tamil.

Where and how to make your preference known

PAGE Malaysia has specially set up two (2) separate platforms for Students and for Parents and Malaysians to register their wishes.

Students are requested to visit : http://goo.gl/QHd42
Parents and Malaysians are requested to visit : http://goo.gl/cFSlD

2012 is just a mere two (2) months away … do visit the website, complete the form today and make a difference!!! Please email, like and share this with all your friends so that we can quickly collect the numbers that we need to transform us all into a voice loud enough to be heard. Hopefully with everybody’s effort, we can make this go viral on the internet and strengthen our voice in the shortest time possible.

Thank you.

PAGE
Parent Action Group for Education (1266-10-WKL)
pagemalaysia@gmail.com
www.pagemalaysia.org
For Our Children. Demi Anak Kita

18 October 2011

Media Statement

1. The Internal Security Act 1960, ISA will be abolished, said the Prime Minister in a special address yesterday on the eve of Malaysia Day.
2. Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) which is made up of more than 80 organisations consisting of NGOs, Political Parties, Human Right Bodies, Women, Students, Bar Council and Workers’ Unions, welcomes this new development and attribute the success to the awareness and demands of the people, efforts by victims and families of ISA detainees that continues to defend themselves, support from multiple NGOs domestically and internationally irrespective of race and religion, lawyer groups, political parties especially Pakatan Rakyat (PR) with their orange book commitment and a few motions to abolish ISA that was approved at the PR State level; and SUHAKAM’s consistent stand on the repeal of ISA.
3. After 10 years of GMI’s existence and campaign, after tens of thousands of victims of ISA since 1960, after many families fell victims to ISA, after several campaigns introduced with themes such as ”Freedom for Reformasi Political Detainees”, ”ISA Mala Fide”, ”Free Malaysia From ISA”, ”Save Malaysia, Abolish ISA!” and ”Abolish ISA, Not Amend!”, for the first time, the people of Malaysia heard for themselves from the Prime Minister that ISA will be abolished, immediately signals the success of GMI’s campaign!
4. GMI also views this development as a very bold move on the part of Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib as the Prime Minister as no Prime Minister before him managed to do this. However, this serves also as evidence and validation of the shackles and grip of ISA on the people all this while. The PM regretted that Malaysia’s reality has changed, and the people wants a more open and dynamically democratic Malaysia, where opinions, idea and concerns of the mass be given more attention. This could not happen with the existence and excessive powers under the ISA. This is the message that has been carried by GMI and other bodies in its coalition for many years.
5. Additionally, the Prime Minister also attested to how ISA was used against those with different political ideologies. He gave his commitment that no individuals will be detained just because of their political ideology. This clearly signaled that detention of 10 Reformasi activists on the allegation of unseating the government by means of explosives was a mistake and abuse of the powers of ISA. The same goes to the detention of YB Teresa Kok or for that matter Raja Petra and a reporter a few years ago.
6. However, do remember that individuals should not also be detained on “political motives” as what happened to detainees alleged to be involved with Jemaah Islamiah. They were made scapegoats of the international politics of Malaysia and US. They were never proven to be involved with terrorism.
7. The Prime Minister and Government also implicitly acknowledged finally of the violation of freedom and basic rights besides excessive powers of the police and Minister under the ISA. He gave his commitment to take into consideration freedom and basic rights in any law while any extension of detention can only be made by the court’s instruction (except for legislations related to terrorism).
8. Even then, GMI wishes to stress again its main principles against ISA which is on the provision of detention without trial and excessive arbitrary powers of the police and Minister of Home Affairs. GMI also wish to stress its three main objectives, which are abolish ISA, release detainees and close down Kamunting Camp.

   Therefore, GMI wishes to raise a few queries and concerns:

   1. Will the repeal of ISA eliminates all provisions in it in relations to detention without trial and arbitrary powers of the police and Minister of Home Affairs? Or are the provisions transferred to the two new laws to be enacted? It seems that courts’ ruling is an exception for the new laws. Detention without trial is the thorn in the flesh and disease. Without scrutiny of judiciary, room for abuse is wide open. If transferred from ISA to the new laws then radical change does not happen eventhough ISA is abolished. ISA has been the power wand for the rulers. It will not be lifted that easy.
   2. Why are the two new laws enacted with detention without trial provision when there are existing laws on terrorist offences such as the Chapter VIA Penal Code?
   3. When is the time period for repeal of ISA? If it consumes up to two years as seen before, please do not fault the people for assuming the announcement as bait and play of the 13th General Elections as well as political survival of BN. The tabling of the motion to repeal ISA must be made in the next Parliamentary session.
   4. Will the repeal of ISA bring about the release of all detainees? The repeal should result with the release of all detainees without conditions and further adue.
   5. What is the status of ex-ISA detainees who were deported whilst there are permanent resident? Are they permitted to return?
   6. What will happen to Kamunting Camp? The Camp should be closed and be acknowledged as World Heritage much like Robben Island, South Africa as a symbol of injustice and cruelty metted under ISA.
9. GMI is of the opinion that the new development brings about several implications and demands:
   1. All victims of ISA should be paid gratiuty equivalent to the torture and sufferings that was experienced by the detainees and family members;
   2. All involved parties in the torture and maltreatment of ISA detainees must be brought to justice and open trials;
   3. The Government, relevant Minister and police must be trustworthy in conducting the principles stressed by the Prime Minister in his address, not just lip service. He stressed for the Government to put its trust to the wisdom of the people of Malaysia in making choices to pave the way for their own future direction;
   4. The Government must abolish other detention without laws such as the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA);
   5. The Government to conduct review immediately within specific time period on other laws that restrict freedom of the people and media such as Police Act and Printing Press and Publication Act;
   6. The Government to adhere to international human rights charter in issues related to anti-terrorists activities and draft long term plans for the country in developing mechanisms to address terrorism without jeorpadising basic rights and principles of justice; and
   7. The Government to sign and ratify International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT)
10. Finally, it is evident that the existence of a strong principled centred with integrity voice/coalition/movement in the democratic system is very important to guarantee welfare and livelihood of the people. GMI conveys it appreciation and admiration to people’s voice. GMI’s position will be discussed among its coalition members in a suitable time.

Abolish ISA!!
Release Detainees!!
Close down Kamunting Camp!!

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh
Chairman

Friday, 16 September 2011

In Malaysia, schools and training centres that cater to children with special needs are sorely lacking. These children could be autistic or have attention deficit disorder or Downs Syndrome, among others. They can’t fit into the government schools as the teachers are not specially equipped to help them and the classes are too big.

Beacon Life Training Centre (BLTC) is a non-profit organisation that provides education and training in life skills for children with learning disabilities between the ages of seven and 14. It aims to minister to special needs children and their families in and around the Kepong area.

It grew out of Beacon Presbyterian Centre (BPC)’s Sonbeam special needs playgroup. The playgroup was started in 2002 and met once a week on Saturday afternoons in BPC’s premises. While the children played, the parents interacted with each other and formed a much-needed support group. As the children grew older, their needs changed, and so the playgroup was reorganised and Sonbeam morphed into BLTC.

BLTC commenced operations in September 2008 with an initial enrolment of eight special needs children from the Kepong area. Its pioneer staff team comprised a teacher, an assistant teacher and a superintendent as well as a group of volunteers.

Today, there are three teachers, an assistant teacher and a superintendent in addition to the volunteers. And enrolment has increased to 16 students.

BLTC runs four days a week, from Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 12.30pm. Lessons and activities are conducted in English. The curriculum is holistic and aims to minister to the body, mind and spirit. The children are taught social, intellectual and independent-living skills.

Currently, the centre has reached its maximum capacity of 16 children, with more on the waiting list.

Most of the children come from families whose income is below average. Each child is required to make a monthly contribution of RM200 to BLTC, but even that is a strain to some families. As BLTC is not self-funding at the moment, its operational expenses are heavily subsidised.

The centre hopes to increase its staff team to five trained teachers and an assistant teacher so that it can increase its intake. It also has plans to move to bigger free-standing premises with grounds so that it can start a vegetable garden and an animal/pet project.

Its vision is to train the older children to acquire practical and job skills so that they are able to earn a living and live independently from their families in assisted-living facilities.

Once a month, a gathering is held for the parents of the special needs children. This support group meets to share and encourage one another, as it can be emotionally and physically draining taking care of these children.

BLTC is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the community and show His love to special needs children.

Aly Cheah is superintendent of BLTC. Aly and her family worship at Beacon Presbyterian Centre in Bandar Menjalara. She can be contacted at alystel@gmail.com.

The recent report by Malaysiakini regarding the non-existent Surau al-Musyrikin and that the demonstration attributed to the committee members against an act of proselytisation by a tuition centre at Jalan Klang Lama as aired by TV3 which did not represent the true situation, was very alarming.

This irresponsible reporting by a government-friendly media was preceded by a series of half-truths and lies to create fear in the hearts and minds of Muslims in our country. They are harping on the weak psyche of the Muslims at large. The ultimate aim is to ensure that the Malaysian community remains polarized so that the ruling government will continue their hegemony.

We read recently about the Christian conspiracy to change our country into a Christian state and electing a Christian Prime Minister, followed by BERSIH 2.0 being funded by Christian organizations, the act of prosetylisation by the DUMC in the pretext of giving aid to the needy were some of the perspicuous examples of how this systematic approach of instilling fear was being carried out.

This coward and myopic approach of supporters of the ruling government to ensure the despotic government continuous grip to power is utterly reprehensible. Through fear-mongering and divisive policies, the government is feeding racism and xenophobia. The repercussion is eventually a divide in our community and turning it into a fertile ground for more violence and conflict.

On the eve of ‘Eid celebration, the Islamic Renaissance Front [IRF] calls upon every thinking Muslim to use their reason to enable them to think rationally and not to be influenced by such irresponsible reports and maneuvers. Muslims should be brave enough to stand up and shun away this politics of fear. Let the world know that the Qur’an calls for us to be just, to support justice and not to be inclined towards any forms of oppression.

“And do not incline towards, nor rely upon, those who are bent on evil-doing, lest the fire [of the hereafter] touch you …” [11:113]

Dr Ahmad Farouk Musa
Mohd Radziq Jalaluddin
Board of Directors
Islamic Renaissance Front [IRF]

Together with all Malaysians we join hands in celebrating and rejoicing over Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day this year. Let us offer our prayers in thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings showered upon us and for His kind mercies over these past 54 years of celebrating Merdeka Day and over the past 48 years in auspiciously marking Malaysia Day.

We must continue to uphold the constitutional framework which embodies the principles of democratic freedoms and institutions first set down by our Founding Fathers irrespective of race, religion or creed so that each generation will be able to advance and progress as Malaysians.

We have also embraced the principles of the Rukunegara and the fundamental liberties including the Freedom of Religion which allows us freedom to believe and personal liberty to ensure we live in peace and harmony and for us to seek the welfare and well-being of all who dwell in Malaysia.

The diversity of faiths expressed in the many places of worship throughout Malaysia is a testimony to the spiritual vitality of all our peoples and their desire to be connected to the Almighty God. Therefore, we must hold to the sanctity of all our places of worship and also our freedom to believe and not allow such to be violated in any way.

As Malaysians we must continue in the sharing of our religious traditions, spiritualities and festivities with one another in the spirit of mutual respect. We must not allow actions which are insensitive, arrogant and disrespectful to prevail nor to derail us from our living in harmony and love amongst all religions and communities in Malaysia.

Malaysians value justice and righteousness and therefore expect such values to be exhibited and practiced by the leaders of our nation and by one and all. Malaysians desire that our leaders act justly, do rightly and to love mercy. This spirit will help us build a great nation for ourselves, our children and our children’s children.

Therefore, we expect and call our nation’s leaders to show consistent and sustainable leadership in the Prime Minister’s unifying theme of 1Malaysia : People First, Performance Now to the end that the theme will not be just more talk than action but become a concrete reality so that we can all enjoy its fruits. As our nation grows we need to build stronger democratic institutions which will give Malaysians a greater say in the affairs of state. Today, Malaysians as concerned citizens want our voices to be heard and wish to speak on the issues of the nation and how it is administered. Many Malaysians desire electoral reforms to ensure a fair and equitable electoral system and the government’s response of a parliamentary select committee to look into this crucial matter is a step forward in the right direction.

As Malaysians we need to build on the positives that we have in our land rather than the negatives that divide us on the basis of race, religion or creed. Malaysians need to come together to reject all extremisms as they were never what our Founding Fathers saw and desired for Malaysia. In particular, we reject extremist speeches and statements and irresponsible reporting in the media.

We call on every Malaysian to contribute towards the process of nation-building without thought of reward. Churches and Christians should continue freely to do works of charity to contribute towards nation-building in diverse ways so that the benefits can be reaped by the poor and the needy, irrespective of race, religion or creed.

As Malaysians, let us pledge to work for the betterment of all Malaysians, to further the cause of national unity, to promote mutual respect of all peoples and religions, to foster a caring and compassionate society, to maintain democracy, to enable a vibrant economy for the well-being of all, to see to the good of all Malaysians and to ensure that our public institutions are transparent, accountable and serving the people.

The churches join all Malaysians in praying for the good health and well-being of our beloved King and Queen, the Rulers, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, the Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers of the states, our parliamentarians, all members of the state assemblies, the police and those who defend our nation. It is our desire to see continued prosperity with peace, justice and righteousness and the strengthening of our common bonds of friendship and harmony amongst all peoples and religions in Malaysia.

Dated this 26th August 2011

Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing
Chairman

Bishop Antony Selvanayagam
Vice-chairman

Bishop Datuk Dr. Thomas Tsen
Vice-chairman

Rev. Eu Hong Seng
Vice-chairman

The Selangor Government will establish a Syura consultative council in its efforts to resolve the matter regarding the examination of Damansara Utama Methodist Church last Aug 3 by Selangor Islamic Religous Department (Jais).

The council will consist of three members; Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, state mufti Dato’ Tamyes Abdul Wahid and his deputy Dato’ Abdul Majid Omar.

”The idea to form this Syura council came from DYMM Tuanku Sultan when we had a discussion over the matter last week. I appreciate Tuanku’s advice regarding how best to resolve this matter satisfactorily,” said the Menteri Besar.

”I have also met the Mufti and we have formulated the term of reference for the council.”

The council will explore areas of concern to both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Selangor as well as develop guidelines to ensure mutual respect and harmony between people of different races and religion.

He also said the council will be seeking input from Jais and the host of the thanksgiving dinner, NGO Harapan Komuniti. If necessary, the council will also call the Damansara Utama Methodist Church and the 12 Muslims who were questions by Jais during the examination.

The council will also hear out Jais’ full report on the examination as well as examine related documents and evidence, including video tapes of the incident.

“The state’s priority is to ensure that every aspect of our administration adheres to the principles of justice, transparency, good governance and integrity,” said the Menteri Besar.

The state government reiterates that it is always open to engagement and dialogue regarding the harmonious and mutually respectful coexistence of different religious communities.

PRESS SECRETARIAT
OFFICE OF DATO MENTERI BESAR SELANGOR