2033: We round off this dark day with a statement just released by the Aliran exco: ‘Bigotry in the name of Allah’.
The silver lining in all this is that the crowds at the various protests were not as large as many had feared, and the vast majority of Malaysians simply walked away and refused to join in. Many groups and netizens issued statements and comments condemning this lapse into momentary madness. Therein lies a glimmer of hope for a better Malaysia that many of us believe is possible.
Another bright light can be seen over here, where blogger Dr Rafick, a Muslim, has initiated a donation drive to raise funds to repair the Metro Tabernacle Church.
1928: IGP Musa Hasan denied reports that a fourth church was attacked, according to the Insider. He said three demonstrations were held in Kuala Lumpur, two in Pahang, four in Selangor and one in Terengganu and they all ended within 15 minutes. He urged the public not to believe rumours spread by SMS and over the Internet.
1853: Only 25 people protested at the Kampong Baru mosque this afternoon, according to one eye-witness. A Malaysian Insider twitter update put the figure at 20. Malaysiakini put the figure at 50 and noted that other Muslims leaving the mosque told the protesters to “just go home!”
1829: St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Church in PJ will be holding an all-night vigil to pray for peace in the country. The prayers will begin at 8.00pm and go on throughout the night until the 6.15am Mass.
1805: Anwar Ibrahim, speaking on mainland Penang, has sharply criticised the Home Ministry and Umno for their poor handling of the issue. He said they should have initiated a dialogue between church leaders and Islamic groups to discuss the issue, according to a journalist.
1800: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng visited the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Penang this evening. Blog reader SamG reports from the Cathedral:
CM reiterated the key message of keeping calm and not to get carried away. Also reported that he had had a meeting with the CPO who had assured all Penangites that they will provide additional security. No demonstrations were reported in Penang as per the briefing by the Special Branch Head who was also present.
1750: Aliran’s Dr Mustafa K Anuar has issued a statement here condemning the attacks.
1650: A fourth church in Kg Subang is said to have been targeted, according to the Insider. But I am unable to obtain further confirmation/verification from church sources. Most press reports say only three churches were targeted.
1450: Najib has condemned the attacks and those reponsible because “this will destroy the harmony of the country”, reports the Insider, which also updates via Twitter:
- Kg Baru mosque protest finishes. 7 minutes ago
- National Mosque protest finishes in 15 minutes, speaker appeals to Catholics to bring matters regarding Islam to Syariah Court. 9 minutes ago
- Earlier in Kg Baru, a group of Muslims urged others not to join the protesters, called them fanatics & accused them of church arson
- A group of 300, mostly from Perkasa, gathered in front of National Mosque to shout “Allahu Akbar”. The rest have walked away.
1430: The crowd disperses as usual after Friday prayers at USM in Penang.
Over in KL, church lawyer Annou Xavier appears satisfied with police co-operation in beefing up security around key churches.
1350: The Friday sermon, heard over the USM mosque loud-speakers in Penang, questions the Herald’s use of the term Allah. A similar sermon was screened on TV1, says one viewer.
1239: Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim has asked police to be at all churches. “Police will deploy officers and are cooperating with us,” a church lawyer informs me.
Meanwhile, the FRU have been spotted in Kelana Jaya heading for the Federal Highway, according to an eye-witness.
1237: “I think (what has happened) is very, very unfortunate. This is exactly what we do not want to happen,” says Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, deputy president of Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM).
“As good religious people, we know that each religion stresses tolerance and respect for one another’s practices. We should let the court process go on but at the same time we should calm our people, Muslims and non-Muslims, to ensure we always act in the interests of all and the country.”
“I think the word ‘Allah’ is something which is mulia, to be respected by all. Allah represents God for all. In other words, the use of the phrase should be done in a tactful and respectful manner without any bad intent.”
1152: An attempted attack at the Life Chapel in Section 17. A molotov cocktail again. No real damage. “It’s the same modus operandi,” says Rev Hermen Shastri, the General Secretary of the Council of Churches of Malaysia. “There is a pattern.”
Church reps want the police to station personnel at all churches in the capital, whether Catholic or Protestant.
Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is with a church lawyer at the Assumption Church.
1127: Some 21 police personnel along with a forensics team are at the Assumption Church along Jalan Templar to inspect the failed arson attack. They have assured church reps that there would be more police patrols around churches.
Selangor Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is said to be on the way to visit the church.
The Metro Tabernacle Church after the arson attack - Photo via iron
1000: Woke up this morning to text messages on the fire-bombing at the Metro Tabernacle Church in Desa Melawati and the failed kerosene attack on the Assumption Church in Jalan Templar.
The world of Twitter is abuzz with messages expressing outrage.
This could be a long day. A few elements are obviously out there bent on stirring trouble. It is important for political and religious leaders from across the spectrum to condemn such attacks. Thus far, the political leadership of this country on this issue has not been inspiring, to put it mildly.
I am sure Malaysians of all spiritual faiths and those of goodwill will abhor attacks on any place of worship.
In the face of some trepidation ahead of expected protests, let’s look to the young for some hope for the future. This is an excerpt from a Malaysiakini report:
In a show of solidarity, Muslim and Christian students in Universiti Malaya (yesterday) came out with a consensus over the ‘Allah’ row.
In a statement, PMIUM (UM Association of Muslim Students) and PKVUM (UM Varsity Christian’s Association), the umbrella organisations that represent students of the respective religions, said the two groups had reached an understanding over the matter.
PMIUM president Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin and PKVUM president Benjamin Ong both signed the statement listing down the guidelines that they have agreed upon:
- That dialogue and discourse is the best and respectable way to handle the issue.
- That proper education to the adherents of the different faiths must be given in order to ensure the proper understanding of tenets of each religion.
- The legal system is not the only proper way to solve the issue, especially when it is open to manipulation by certain parties.
- Religious institutions and leaders must take the proactive step of meeting and engaging in discourse in order to promote greater understanding among the different faiths.
They reminded all parties not to manipulate the issue and condemned those who use it to provoke public sentiments.
The public must use discretion and proper education to avoid prejudice towards the followers of other religion.
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iron, i think sometimes our “too” enthusiasm about something, in particular, religion matters, can make us lose sight of more important issue, that is, peace and harmony.
Didnt the Bible teach us to love our neighbour? Neighbour means all humankind, irrespective of race and colour and religion.
For me, though am a Christian, but i really do not see the need to fight over this Allah thing. For i believe, things that pertaining to God, it is wise to leave it to God, unless you think otherwise, He is not capable of handling.
We must not feel so insecured in the religion that we trust and believe. A true religion cannot be threatened.
nkkhoo was just trying to help by suggesting a win win situation for both sides. That is, the East Malaysians can continue to use the word Allah since they have been using it all this while, and the West Malaysians dont use it anymore.
nkkhoo didnt say, Christians cannot use the word Allah at all. Right? So, why are u jumping, iron?
Indeed, i agree with nkkhoo, it is silly to fight over the name of God. To me, it is belittling God.
The government indeed is not right to confiscate the Christian literatures sold in the bookstores with the word Allah. Because the books were printed much earlier.
Is there any Act that says Non Muslims cannot use the word Allah?
If the UMNO government didnt want us to use the word Allah, we can call our Creator as heavenly Father or Abba Father, isnt that sound dearer? Why must we insist that we have to call our God, the Creator as Allah. I always call HIM as God or Father in my prayer.
If u must insist and call God as Allah, then, you can do it privately, the UMNO people, i believe,they wont come and arrest you.
Note: I said UMNO here because PM Najib said he cant do anything
to stop the protest while PKR stopped his people to
participate in the protest and PAS, KhalidSamad quoted the
AlQoran to say that Non Muslims are not forbid to use the
name Allah. Mind you, it is the UMNO Minister who
disagreed with the High Court Judgment and filed an
appeal.
So, those who have eyes, esp our brethren in the East
Malaysia, wake up now and cast a vote against BN in
the next GE, do yourself a favour.
Gerakan K & Iron
Even if nkkhoo is not a Christian he has the right to tell Christian and others whether they have the right use the word Allah or not as long as what he is doing or trying to interpret is within the context of the law and judiciary. The recent hight court ruling was by a Chinese judge who may or may not be a Christian but her verdict stem from within the context of the law……
I agree with Mahathir that law cannot solve religion related issue. There is no right or wrong answer for religious matters, all depending on how you interpret them.
Yang,
You are right! Herald publication is contesting the case based upon the constituition & rule of law. We need to have a yardstick to justify our claim. I disagree with Khoo & even Mahathir. If one uses moslem’s point of view, ah so one agree with France’s verdict on hijab’s issue.
Once upon a time, moslems & christians called each other infidels & thus the crusade. Finally, Saladin knew that the best way is a compromise. Safe passage of pilgramage in Jerusalem by Jews & Christians. All 3 religions use Allah as God.
Khoo,
I respect your opinion but however, argument must be based on precedents, historical facts, constituition & rule of law.
Mahathir has lost the word of war over LKY over the water issue over rule of law. Mahathir so humiliated over the disclosure of letters but then again Rule of Law still stands paramount
Frankly, I doubt you know what is historical fact before you challenge me or Mahathir on this matter.
If you read (I believe you have never read the water agreement yourself) water agreement with Singapore, Mahathir is right in the water issue.
Note: I still keep the PDF copy downloaded from Singapore government website.
In any country believe the rule of law will know the meaning of “AFTER” used in the water agreement. Malaysia has absolute legal right to review water tariff AFTER 20 years and any dispute has to be settled in Johor court.
BN government is too soft and give in too much to LKY on water issue.
Isn’t the obvious and best solution for the Home Ministry to drop its Appeal? What problem was there before the attempted Allah ban, or was it purely ‘initiative’ by the Home Ministry?
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=70017
I do not see proposal from JP is a compromise, this is a win-lose solution.
Malaysia will be in anarchy if we submit to threats from a few … extremists who burnt down churches, mosques or temples or my homes.
You can argue and debate until the cows come home (no pun intended) but Mahatir’s right and this has to be settled based on negotiations and now via the legal process.
Even someone wins in the court, the nation loses when this issue becomes emotional and resorts to some stupid acts to vent their anger.
Dear K.
1. The Police do not answer to the CM. Period.
If they do, then PDRM would not have stopped all the candle light vigils which were supported by PR.
Please argue with facts and not lies.
PR states are undermined by federal powers, in the withholding of federal monies to the state. Those monies are instead channeled through federal agencies in the state.
It is bad to be robbed of a rightful role.
It is even worse to be accused of not functioning well … after they usurped your responsibility.
2. So you weren’t reading the news on how Utusan fanned racial and religious sentiments. No wonder you are writing funny stuffs. Do a google on Awang Selamat to refresh your memory.
3. You must be blind in not being able to see the stance of PAS and PKR. Zul Nordin had been a dissenter within PKR all this while and you choose to make him official voice of PR. We might as well call … Suhaimi the official voice of UMNO.
4. Ku Li is probably the only courageous voice of righteousness and reason left in UMNO. Ignore him at your peril. If UMNO had not been rash in wanting to be a populist in this instead of being statesman like, following Islamic principles/practices and adhering to the federal constitution, all this would not have happened.
Hi all,
Like i tell u b4 the main concern of the muslim is the miss used of word “ALLAH”. Thats true that God do not need us to defend Him. But in the issue of “Akidah” of Muslims which is it differentiate between Islam and other religions that all of u not really understand on why the muslims totally not agree when other religions using the word of “ALLAH”. I personally not agree and i really think that other muslims agree with me about tourching the church is a evil behaviour. As our in religion “ISLAM” we also probihited for doing such destruction to other religion worships place. If the behaviour done by my other muslims brothers, I personally seek for all christians forgiveness but in the same time I still not agree if the word of “ALLAH” been used by others just because I personally dont want that the name of My ALMIGHTY God, ALLAH be manipulate and miss used by others.
thanks all
BN has failed the people after over 50 years of power. This has to change. Vote Pakatan for a better future.
Muet, MP khalid Samad (PAS) in his blog said that the AlQoran did not forbid the use of Allah by non Muslim.
Isnt that tell that it is all right when non Muslims refer to the Creator as Allah as well?
Afterall these people, the Christians they didnt misuse it right? They are referring the Creator their God as Allah as well. Indeed, the fact is, the Christians and Muslims believe in the same one God, the Creator.
You see, a lot of people like to curse in Jesus name, i dont know why but the Christian didnt stone them.
If that person is my frd i will explain to him/her nicely not to do it but if he/she is a stranger, i will either leave it or ask God to forgive that person because indeed they do not know it is a sin to curse in Jesus’s name.
All this while, some Christians have been referring God as Allah and there isnt any problem at all.
Why suddenly, during Badawi’s tenure as PM, the issue was picked up and now worst, some quarter of people sensualise it.
Actually, i view it as more of a political issue than religion.
Unfortunately, some people you may call them extremists or lack of knowledge or just plain shallow in their thinking, or i call them unthinking people, they are tricked into it… that is why the burning of churches.
As for me,i will blame the govertnment of the day for stirring the emotion of the Malay people.
Honestly, if you go and ask these leaders, i believe they have the education and knowledge to tell you that religion is a v personal thing between the people and their Maker but they have to do the opposite because they (appear to) have an agenda, that is, they want the lost votes back from the Malays who supported Pakatan in the last GE.
Hi my fren KEE,
As the person who you refering is the one who really politician. And the view that he try to show mainly to manupulate this issue for the politic sack. Please my fren, you may open to the malay news paper, in there they focusly talk about the using of word of “ALLAH” for other.
For your information, ALLAH for Islam only ONE. And the trinity concept of god that in Christian is totally different compared to Islam. That y as i tell all of u be4, the concept of “AKIDAH” you not really understand. What we as muslims belief are totally different what the christians belief and u, because of u are not muslims so u cannot see what actually we try to deffence.
If Islam and Christian are same, why there are difference in the practical and in spritiual in both religion? We as muslims only want to make sure that our future children not confuse and change their belief only because the think that ISLAM = Christian where in the reality both of religions are different at all.
Might b for other religions they not so sensitive when others play with their religions but for us, Muslims that are one of our responsibility to ALLAH to make sure that HIS religions ISLAM and HIS name ALLAH not be played and miss used by people.
Or might be if you want we may meet and I explain to you the concept of Islam. Might b from that u may tell to other fren so the will not miss understand about Islam and muslims in future or you may read this..
http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=2010&dt=0112&pub=Utusan_Malaysia&sec=Bicara_Agama&pg=ba_01.htm
see u in next page, bye