JANUARY 20 — The Council of Churches of Malaysia expresses its deep disappointment that the president of PAS, Hadi Awang, had made some disparaging remarks accusing Christian missionaries of propagating their faith to people in unethical ways, (see latest edition of Harakah, the official organ of PAS).
It is not expected of a Muslim leader of his position to make such unfounded remarks and cast aspersions on Christians and Christian missionaries.
Hadi Awang seems to ignore that the very thing he accuses Christians of doing are the very same thing Islamic agencies and institutions are doing in our country and beyond. There are many documented reports of Islamic missionary activities in the country, especially targeting the natives of Sabah and Sarawak to win people to Islam with all kinds of incentives.
Instead of making unfounded accusations against Christians, Hadi Awang’s time would be better spent if he focuses on why many Muslim youth are becoming radicalised and attracted to ISIS and how his religion should deal with this growing problem.
A Muslim leader like him should concentrate on these matters within his religion and not criticise other religions.
* The above is a press statement written in the name of Rev Dr Hermen Shastri, general secretary of the Council of Churches.
** This is the personal opinion of the writer and or the organization in whose name it is written and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
