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Re-establishment of Inter-Religious Council which existed in the first years of nationhood after Independence in 1957 will mark greater maturity in fostering inter-religious understanding, goodwill and harmony in the country
2004 Christmas Message by Lim Kit Siang (Parliament
House,
Friday):
Yesterday, the Kota Baharu
Municipal Council (MPKB) warned hotels, restaurants and other premises
including the Chinese Assembly Hall not to hold Christmas and New Year
celebrations without an entertainment permit under its Control of
Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1988. The time has come to end all unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy affecting legitimate religious celebrations – and the Federal, State and local governments should work towards repealing all such unnecessary laws and regulations restricting religious festivities in multi-religious Malaysia. All Malaysians, regardless of creed, must be proud of Malaysia as the confluence of the great religions in the world and work together to make Malaysia the model of multi-religious dialogue, understanding and harmony for the world. The country should embark on this journey, starting as the first step, the re-establishment of the Inter-Religious Council which existed in the first years of nationhood after Independence in 1957, serving as a regular forum for the leaders of the major religions in the country, which will mark a greater maturity in the fostering of inter-religious understanding, goodwill and harmony in the country. Happy Xmas to all Christians and non-Christian Malaysians. |