Jan 9 — MCA calls upon the nation to exercise restraint and to take a step backwards when facing conflicts or challenges due to our racial and religious differences. 

Throughout the years, we have laid out the foundation and built a united, peaceful nation living in harmony since independence by practicing tolerance and nurturing the spirit of “give and take” among our diverse cultural and religious practices.

In light of the recent trespass committed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), whereby 321 copies of Bibles were confiscated from the Bible Society of Malaysia, we call upon the Pakatan Selangor government to order the immediate return of the bibles seized as a gesture of goodwill towards promoting greater harmony.

We also urge them to walk their talk of wanting to do away with racial/ religious politics by watering down their differences instead of actively triggering racial or religious conflicts by their repeated acts of aggression and trespass.

Selangor MB disallowing Bibles in Selangor?

The recent decision of Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to shift the responsibility of deciding the return of the bibles confiscated by JAIS to the Home Ministry is an act which will prolong and intensify the conflict and will not serve the nation well. Also, his stand on the issue by saying that they will advise non-Muslim leaders that the Bibles can be kept in Selangor so long as it is not used is confusing.

This is not a time for politicking where fingers are pointed at each other in an attempt to shirk responsibility. The Pakatan state government should bear collective responsibility over this issue, as JAIS falls under their jurisdiction.

Thus, we urge them to do the right thing in the interest of seeking racial/ religious harmony instead of only attempting to score political points against BN and the federal government who is trying its very best in ensuring fair administration while walking the political tightrope of race and religion in Malaysia.

We may not be able to right a wrong, but we are indeed capable of making amends.

Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai

President of MCA

Member of Parliament for Bentong 

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.