— Terence Martin
The Malaysian Insider
Oct 12, 2012

OCT 12 — With the elections just around the corner, it seems that the battle for the Malay votes is heating up to unprecedented levels.

A number of prominent politicians has fashioned themselves as defenders of Islam in order to entice the huge vote banks of the Muslim electorate.

In order to protect the akidah of Muslims, they need a bogeyman. A convenient fall guy to stir the emotions of Muslims in the country.

Take a bow Malaysian Christians…

In a never-ending crusade since the last general election, Christians, regardless of denomination, are unofficially the favourite punching bag of these hypocritical Muslims.

The litany of accusations, harassment and the likes is long. There’s the legal tussle over the ownership and right to use the term “Allah”.

Catholics would surely remember the authorities turning a blind eye to the desecration of the Holy Communion. What about the seizure and desecration of the bibles?

Now, we are hearing how Christians are working hand in glove with the opposition to turn the country into a Christian nation on the basis of hearsay and some photographs.

I know the age-old adage about a picture saying a thousand words. But isn’t a few photographs as absolute proof of a diabolical plan a wee bit too preposterous? I mean, even in a fairy tale, that remark would stick out like a sore thumb!!!

Quite frankly, I am growing weary of this Christian bashing. When I go out for my weekly outings with my close Christian friends, we make it a point to say a prayer before meals. We must be quite a sight, making the sign of the cross, bowing our heads in silent prayer before crossing ourselves again.

It makes me wonder now if we are going to be arrested in future by the authorities for plotting to turn this nation into a Christian one? And to think that a few snaps of us praying would be sufficient evidence of our alleged wrongdoings sends a chill down my spine.

I do fear for the country’s future if we allow these blatant acts of sowing religious and, by extension, racial discontent to continue unchecked. Are we moving closer to the stone ages as we inch towards a supposed developed nation with our unbridled suspicion and fear towards others?

I dread the thought of these divisive politicians leading Malaysia. Perhaps, they will even ban live international football matches as a large number of players cross themselves during matches. Maybe in these leaders’ opinion, that act repeated enough by the players will shake one’s Muslim faith to the core.

I’m not an ordained member of the church, but I wish to speak out to all Christians out there. Cast your votes wisely in the next general election. Let us use the ballot box to show those divisive personalities the door. Let us not allow them the opportunity to disparage the faith of others to create fear, rifts and conflict.

Likening community prayer as a prayer to Christianise Malaysia is akin to acknowledging the presence of monsters under the bed. Maybe, they just need to get their head checked by a shrink…