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Media statement by Teresa Kok Suh Sim in Shah Alam on Saturday, 12th February 2011: Siti Nor Bahyah's and JAIS' prejudice and misinformation of Christianity reveals urgent need for constant frank inter-faith dialogue JAIS' and Siti Nor Bahyah's positions that associated Valentine's Day with immorality and Christianity are baseless and misleading. The sermon prepared by JAIS (Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor), according to The Malaysia Insider, and Siti's comments, were both prejudiced and irresponsible because they were based not upon facts but upon urban myths. Such comments are dangerous as they are likely to stir disgust and disdain for Christianity. The Malaysia Insider reported: "It is celebrated in many ways, starting with greeting cards, flowers and dance parties. In fact some celebrate it with a date which would eventually lead to illicit sex," said the sermon prepared by the Selangor's Islamic authority. "Clearly the celebration is not part of Islamic teaching, it violates the syariah and contradicts the universal code of ethics," it added. Citing the Catholic Encyclopaedia, the sermon claimed Valentine's Day is celebrated to honour a Christian priest who was imprisoned in Rome for his belief and remembered for his love letters addressed to the daughter of prison official. "Clearly the celebration of Valentine's Day is related to the incident, so as a Muslim who believes in Allah and accepts Muhammad as the messenger, is it appropriate for us to celebrate Valentine's Day?" said the sermon. Jais pointed out that there were 257,411 births out of wedlock between 2000 and 2008, and blamed Valentine's Day celebration as one of the causes. "Therefore every Muslim, especially teenagers, must abandon the tradition of celebrating Valentine's Day, which was meant to corrupt the Musim community," it said. "Remember that the Jews and Christians would continue to deceive Muslims. They will do everything undermine the Muslims' belief and personality," said the sermon. Jais also called on the media and social networking sites not to promote Valentine's Day." Valentine's Day is an occasion, much like Father's Day, Mother's Day and Children's Day, to signify appreciation of our loved ones. To celebrate or not is entirely up to each individual. Furthermore, Valentine's Day has long since been capitalized upon by marketers as a commercial opportunity for themselves, and not one that is promulgated by Christianity. It is universally celebrated secularly. As a motivational speaker, Siti Nor Bahyah should have been much more careful with her choice of words, and not spread her prejudiced views as the truth. In doing so, she has abused her position by giving her sphere of influence a false and misguided impression of Christianity. I urge Siti Nor Bahyah and JAIS to be more careful when it comes to comments that go beyond the Islamic sphere. There needs to be constant frank inter-faith dialogue to promote mutual understanding to ensure that such incidents do not occur ever again. * Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Selangor State Senior EXCO for Investment, Industry & Trade & MP for Seputeh
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