Just left the Christmas High Tea Reception hosted by the Christian Federation of Malaysia at Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur when I received an irate call from Penang.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who attended the Christmas Reception with his wife and a retinue of MCA Ministers and Deputy Ministers (unlike last year, when he sent the Deputy Finance Minister, Ng Yen Yen instead – causing great annoyance all-round) had left and guests could leave.
I was in DAP MP for Seputeh, Teresa Kok’s car when I got the call. It was 5.06 pm.
At first I could not make head or tail why the caller was so indignant – something about what the new Gerakan No. 1 and Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon had said in his Christmas message and which appeared in New Straits Times.
I had read the Christmas messages of the Prime Minister (and blogged about it) and those of Ong Ka Ting, Samy Vellu and Lim Keng Yaik but missed Tsu Koon’s message.
The caller, a leading Penang NGO activist, poured out his fury and asked how Tsu Koon could say in his Christmas message that Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion.
He said he was calling from a Christmas party and all who attended were very angry with Tsu Koon’s Christmas message, as what has celebration of Christmas got to do with Islam as the official religion.
I tended to agree but I said I had not read Tsu Koon’s Christmas message and it would not be fair for me to comment until I have read his Christmas message in its entirety. He asked me to check with New Straits Times.
When I arrived back at the DAP headquarters in Petaling Jaya, I immediately looked for a copy of the New Straits Times. I went through the pages and could not find Tsu Koon’s message. I had to check the paper a second time to find that Tsu Koon’s Christmas message was tucked away in a half-page of Christmas messages in page 2, which was dominatede by three personalities with accompanying photographs, Samy Vellu, Keng Yaik and Musa Aman (Sabah Chief Minister) and others without pictures like Ong Ka Ting.
Tsu Koon’s message was tucked away inconspicuously and without any accompanying photograph, would have been missed by most readers.
And his Christmas message was just one paragraph: “Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion.” There was no larger context.
I agree with the irate caller. Tsu Koon has put his foot in his mouth once again.
#1 by Bigjoe on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 7:36 am
I beg to differ, a foot-in-the-mouth is unintentional even subconsciously.
This is actually a Freudian slip – revealing the unconscious. At the very least he believes that Christmas and Islamization in this country is in conflict. Potentially he believes in the ‘clash of civilization’.
More important than that it also reveals that he think there is a master-slave relation of religion in this country logically also that of master-slave relation between races and political parties.
What KTK did is stupid. In all the fence sitting he does all the time, he just lost it, forgot the larger picture.
Oh..how our subconscious pricks the guilty mind…
#2 by iweepformalaysia on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 8:23 am
If we look at the issue of Tsu Koon the foot sucker , isn’t it obvious that this is a plot? UMNO has been trying hard to remove Gerakan from its base – Penang for ages. UMNO has always wanted a Muslim Chief Minister there, because they see Penang as a big fat piece of meat. So how can they be left out?
They know Tsu Koon is weak, so they try to put pressure on him, tarnishing his reputation so that Gerakan and himself will lose popularity. In the end, who will come and save Gerakan? UMNO of course. Gerakan will be grateful and let UMNO take over Penang. Just like the case of MIC and MCA. UMNO always lend a helping hand at the front while at the same time stabing them at the back.
That’s how evil UMNO is. This country is hopeless.
#3 by stk on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 8:23 am
When UMNO youth speaks,Koh Tsu Koon pee on his pants,that is why he wrote the nstp message to “bodek” these youth idiots.Very dissappointed with him,a leader with no guts and a coward.
He had lost his credibility let alone to displine his Indian youth leader whom he spoke out the truth about the UMNO youth idiots.
#4 by Jimm on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 8:24 am
KTK have no choice at all. We all know that he have been the best polisher in BN dan PGRM.
So far, he will not care about how the world look at him as long as he can achieve his dream.
Let not be angry with him as it’s a real waste of our time here.
Focus on the roots of all these issue.
Make the right choice for the future of fellow Malaysian.
#5 by twistedmind on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 8:46 am
“Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion.â€
Tsu Koon, since when did the ‘Malaysians Celebrating Christmas’ NOT RESPECT Islam?
That is an idiotic statement from an Idiot.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to ALL Malaysians.
#6 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 10:52 am
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#7 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 10:54 am
I’m sure he knows. You can give that to him. I’m a Christian and I’m not insulted because I can understand where he’s coming from with that statement and where he’s going. Would you come as an honored guest and insult your host? Not likely. His approach was not meant to be exclusive but inclusive. – undergrad2
It`s good you are not feeling insulted. But every christian (about 30 on X`mas day) that I have met feels insulted. So seems to me you are massively outvoted on that.
#8 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:00 am
Why not?? Jesus was a Jew! Abraham was as much a prophet to Christians and Muslims! – undergrad2
The Jews do not consider Jesus as their prophet. They are still waiting for the messiah.
As for the Jesus of the Christians, and that of Islam, they are 2 totally different entities. You need to learn more about the Jesus of islam instead of making such a obfuscating statement.
It would be akin to saying that since the words `sembahyang` and `puasa` are sanskrit, the hindus are muslims. That is failed logic. Commonality of words does not make thought commonality.
#9 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:01 am
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#10 by k1980 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:02 am
Would you come as an honored guest and insult your host? Yes, look at what Al Gore did to Mahatir in KL by shouting ‘reformasi’
#11 by Jong on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:27 am
“Khairy Jamaludin and Hishamudin must be laughing their pants off.” – dawsheng
KJ and Kerishammuddin might be laughing but it’s small contribution to umno. Watch out for the BIG one. All it takes for Spore, Thailand or Indonesia to say something slightly out of line the watch opportunist UMNO jumping in to get itself all throttled-up and call for rakyat to stand by it.
Keep watching, it happens ever General Election. I am sure opposition political parties are all too familiar with it. Even my Singapore friends are having good laughs, waiting for it to happen as GE draws near.
#12 by ChinNA on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:37 am
The Jesus of Islam, Jews and Christian referred the same human being. However, what is different is how each accorded different attributes to this human being.
To Islam, he is one of the prophets.
To Chirstians, he is GOD.
To Jews, I really don’t know.
However, the subject of this topic is NOT about Jesus. It is about the Islamisation of Malaysia where it heading towards a choiceless choice in embracing this religion.
It seems to me that if you are not for Islam, you are against it!. This the ever exclusive nature of monoethist religion, even Christianity!
However, in Christianity today, you have a choice to reject or accept this teaching.
In the brand of Islam practiced today in Malaysia, the availability of choice of is not obvious, as contary to the ability to choose.
Whatever the phases of Islam is going thru, it is not very different from the main turmoils that the Chirstian Church went thru a long time ago.
Learn from the Church Histoty, it could guide us on predicting the future. Or I could wrong. This is just my view.
#13 by ChinNA on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 11:39 am
“Even my Singapore friends are having good laughs, waiting for it to happen as GE draws near.” Jong
Just to add, Malaysians in Singapore will cry!.
#14 by k1980 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:04 pm
Koh Ah Koon is a Confucianist/Daoist/Buddhist/Ahmadi/Zoroastrian/Bahai/Sikh(from the turban he dons during Sikh festivities)/you-name-it, he-is-it/
He is CM in name only. So why ask him to officiate and give speeches during Christmas?
#15 by borrring on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:06 pm
“1) …..Has any muslim invited any non-Muslim for their Aidil Adha? ENDANGERED HORNBILL”
Have u forgotten that the meat from sacrificed cows, buffaloes etc are only meant for poor muslims? It’s not meant to be given away for poor non muslims. So, how can any non muslims can be invited?
#16 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:08 pm
Tickler, perhaps you may want to read again what I said earlier in response to what you said which was:
“There is also no necessity to bring Jews into the picture when talking about Jesus.†Tickler
Why not?? Jesus was a Jew! Abraham was as much a prophet to Christians and Muslims!
I once asked a Jew on what he thought of Jesus and he said Jews look upon Jesus (a Jew) as “a very good rabbi” .
The coming of the Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament (a prophesy) or first five chapters of it (which make up the Torah) was Jesus of the New Testament to Christians. The Jews remaining true to their Torah, are still waiting for ‘their’ Messiah. The Jews do not acknowledge Jesus as that Messiah.
I know nothing about the Koran. But having grown up among Muslims, from what I am told, Jesus is a prophet in a long line of prophets down from Abraham and Mohammad was the last Messenger.
So when Abdullah Badawi referred to Jesus as a “servant of God” it is only because he’s a Muslim – not because he’s not a Christian. There is a difference. In his attempt to be inclusive in his approach he ended apparently offending some Christians. I never said no Christian should feel offended. I could only speak for myself when I say I’m not offended – and I go to church every Sunday.
Let’s hear what you have to say about ‘being inclusive’ in your approach as opposed to ‘being exclusive’. Which sends a better message?
Jesus, son of God or God in human flesh or Mohammad ,God’s last Messenger, Jesus who lives, has not died but will one day return to unite His people, or Jesus who died and rose to Heaven to take his seat on the right hand of God etc if we are to approach any issue one way and not the other, how could there be an inter-faith meeting of any kind since we would be insulting each other’s belief before we even start.
Close to a thousand if not more, Muslim religious leaders throughout the world have recently approached the Vatican asking to have an inter-faith meeting with the Pope. Why should they who regard Jesus as a ’servant of God’ and not the Son of God want to have anything to do with the representative of God on earth? Should we regard as one big insult for both the groups to be sitting across the table from each other to understand each other and do what is good for the world?
#17 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:14 pm
“You need to learn more about the Jesus of islam instead of making such a obfuscating statement.” Tickler
Before you throw more insults, you may want to bear in mind that I am an Elder in the church in my neigborhood.
#18 by borrring on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:21 pm
“The reason why Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world has been widely acknowledged by Christians – the reason being the fact that in Islam you cannot convert out once you’re born a Muslim or once you become a Muslim. Undergrad2″
To some extent, there’s truth in that if you’re born or convert in an “islamic” country. In Malaysia, your race will dictate your religion if you’re a malay without you having any say in it.
But unlike our neighbouring country, Singapore, it’s interesting to find that there are also Malay Christians. Check out these blogs on Malay Christians in Singapore:-
http://1flock1shepherd.blogspot.com/ & http://evan.tedfox.com/
#19 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:34 pm
Before you throw more insults,..- undergrad2
There is something wrong with you. That is not an insult but a statement of fact. and I don`t really care whether you are an Elder or a Junior. I do think you should study more on the subject instead of shooting from the hip. I can only assist you with this link:
http://www.islam.tc/prophecies/jesus.html
You are purposely trying to pick a fight. That is not a nice thing to do. So, for this I leave you to your own.
And I stand by what I write.
#20 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:43 pm
Dear LKS,
I recall a time when the Selangor State Govt. wanted to ban the usage of the word Allah by non muslims, apparently you brought it up in Parliament that the Sikhs too have that word in their Granth Sahib. One particular reference thru a google search is:
“I observe neither Hindu fasting nor the ritual of the Muslim Ramadan month; Him I serve who at the last shall save. The Lord of universe of the Hindus, Gosain and Allah to me are one; From Hindus and Muslims have I broken free. I perform neither Kaaba pilgrimage nor at bathing spots worship; One sole Lord I serve, and no other. I perform neither the Hindu worship nor the Muslim prayer; To the Sole Formless Lord in my heart I bow. We neither are Hindus nor Muslims; Our body and life belong to the One Supreme Being who alone is both Ram and Allah for us.” (Guru Arjan Dev, Guru Granth Sahib, Raga Bhairon pg. 1136)
http://www.sikhs.org/summary.htm
So with the latest developments, I think it would be interesting to ascertain if the Sikh Holy book is also banned? And if all those Gurdwaras should surrender their copies to the Home Ministry?
#21 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 12:55 pm
“…and I don`t really care whether you are an Elder or a Junior. I do think you should study more …” Tickler
For someone who wants to dictate to others who should feel offended and who should not, should it surprise anyone that you are here going on the record as to tell someone that you do not care if he is an Elder or a Junior”. You accuse someone of being insensitive, how sensitive is that statement?
“So with the latest developments, I think it would be interesting to ascertain if the Sikh Holy book is also banned? And if all those Gurdwaras should surrender their copies to the Home Ministry?”
It would not be a bad idea to some.
#22 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:04 pm
Let Kit answer that, I have absolute faith in him to be able to do that without `stand ins`.
As for sensitivity, that`s a laugh. The pastor yesterday said that was the problem with the church. I think I have greater respect for Father O.C.Lim. At least he says it as it is instead of `cowering` behind `sensitivity`, like some.
#23 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:09 pm
“..cowering behind sensitivity’ Tickler
I’m tickled pink.
#24 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:10 pm
..but like I said it would not be a bad idea to some i.e. banning the Sikh Holy Book. And I stand by that too.
#25 by DiaperHead on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:31 pm
Christians (except for Catholics) and Muslims frown on the use of stone idols and images of deities. The UMNO led government has more reason to limit the public display of such stone idols as not in keeping with the image of Malaysia as an Islamic state – going even into the banning of books.
#26 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:36 pm
..but like I said it would not be a bad idea to some i.e. banning the Sikh Holy Book. And I stand by that too.-undergrad2
_________________________________________________________
Yes you would. And like I said LKS should answer that. You can go to Parliament and voice your opinion there.
#27 by DiaperHead on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:42 pm
Don’t think undergrad2 ever said that he’s answering on behalf of Kit. He’s just responding to your learned comments.
#28 by Tickler on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:47 pm
Thank you
#29 by DiaperHead on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:49 pm
Maybe I should have put that in inverted commas.
#30 by k1980 on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 1:53 pm
in the Quran, Jesus (Prophet Isa) was a servant of God
Is Mullah Dullah implying the Christian God is a servant of his God?
#31 by cheng on soo on Wednesday, 26 December 2007 - 2:04 pm
KTK, suggest u leave politics, and go back to your academic life again, U will get more respect there, unless u are concerned about money coming in?? Politics is not for U lah!
#32 by tunglang on Thursday, 27 December 2007 - 1:24 am
Is Tsu Koon ‘Koh’ trying to give a caution statement to Christians?
Or is he trying to collydolly with the Umnoputras before he goes to Federal (for good).
This is very dangerous to imply that Christians should be ‘celebrate-sensitized’ to Islam for what? Christians don’t need a Bhuddist to teach them how to celebrate CHRISTmas in BolehLand.
Merry CHRISTmas to all Malaysians and foreigners.
#33 by Billy on Thursday, 27 December 2007 - 5:35 am
We have to excuse KTK as he is not a Christian so what he uttered was purely a political statement to cover his own butts. The Catholics currently have to endure the apprehension of whether the Herald’s permit is going to be granted and yet he had the audacity to tell us Catholics (and all Malaysians alike) to respect Islam? We have been respecting Islam for as long as we have lived in this country but somehow I personally feel it is a one-way street. I sure would like to hear KTK saying this during a Hari Raya festival, “Malaysians, while celebrating Hari Raya, must respect other religions in view of the country’s multi-religious make-up”. And you know what is going to happen next? He is going to kena B-B-Q’d by none other than UMNO Youth.
#34 by shamshul anuar on Sunday, 30 December 2007 - 1:01 am
Dear readers.
I refer to some statements on how upsets some Christians are with regards to PM’s speech during christmas day. I am not so sure why they are so upset. PM did not insult Christianity.
To Muslims, Jesus was a mere mortal . He was also a prophet. Muslims and Islam have high regards on him. One chapter of Kuran is named after her mother, Lady Mary. In Islam, she is accorded as “a chosen lady among all nations”.
I do not understand why there are some people in this forum is so upset. Did PM belittle Christianity. No. Did he mock the faith. No. K1980 asked “Did Mullah Dullah say that Christian God is a servant of his God”.
Rest assured, PM or Malays respect the faith although they may differ on status of Jesus. Muslims are reminded in Kuran “not to mock the belief of others the way they do not like their faith on Me(Allah) is ridiculed”.
As for Mr Diaperhead, he may not realize on the construction of 2 big statues in Batu caves recently. UMNO may not encourage building of statues. But it certainly never stops building of such statues. Please do not accuse UMNo of violating the freedom of practising other faiths than Islam in Malaysia.
As for the appeal of Islam, perhaps people are attracted to Islam due to its simplicity. There is no need for intermediary between mere mortal and Allah. In Islam, everybody is born as pure as a white cloth. Nobody in Islam can excommunicate anybody to hell or heaven. A sultan , Caliph, amir, PM are mere leaders. Their authority is temporal. They can not claim to receive divine blessing. It runs in harmony with law of human nature. Sex is allowed. No need to supress sexual desire in order to be close to God.