I wish Christians in Malaysia Merry Christmas.
Malaysia is quite a unique country.
Article 3(1) of the Malaysian Constitution states:
“Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.”
Rukun Negara states:
“WHEREAS OUR COUNTRY, MALAYSIA nurtures the ambitions of:
- Achieving a more perfect unity amongst the whole of the society;
- Preserving a democratic way of life;
- Creating a just society where the prosperity of the country can be enjoyed together in a fair and equitable manner;
- Guaranteeing a liberal approach towards her rich and varied cultural traditions; and
- Building a progressive society that will make use of science and modern technology.
“WE, residents of Malaysia, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by these principles:
- BELIEVE IN GOD
- LOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRY
- SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION
- THE RULE OF LAW
- COURTESY AND MORALITY”
The fourth and fifth strategic challenges of Vision 2020 to create a Bangsa Malaysia and a fully developed Malaysia are:
- establishing a fully moral and ethical society, whose citizens are strong in religion and spiritual values and imbued with the highest of ethical standard;
- establishing a mature, liberal and tolerant society in which Malaysians of all colours and creeds are free to practise and profess their customs, cultures and religious belief and yet feeling that they belong to one nation.
On these basic principles in these three documents, Malaysia can be a role model of the world in inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony in the world.
We have 63.5 percent of the population practising Islam; 18.7 percent, Buddhism; 9.1 percent Christianity; 6.1 percent Hindus and 9 percent other religious groups..
This is one objective Malaysia should strive for now that the Anwar Unity government is assured of political stability in the next three to four years.