AUGUST 20 ― My comments/response here relates to the use of the expression “Jesus Christ mentality” as quoted by YB Khairy Jamaluddin in response to a question by Andrew Khoo Chin Hock, a human rights lawyer, during a forum titled “Beyond 2020: Fresh Views, New Visions” at Sunway College and not at all to the ratification of ICERD.
While the quote is attributable to YB Khairy and not directly from your publication, the use of the expression “Jesus Christ mentality” in this instance has nevertheless conjure a wrong picture of one who is considered scared and cherish within the Christian community. I wish at this juncture to point out that by using the expression and having as its title caption in the way your news report puts it will come across as casting aspersion on the person of Jesus Christ. This is especially so when the expression is linked in a way to how the PH government (specially to YB Saifuddin) practice their politics.
As mentioned, for the Christian community and within the Christian tradition, the person of Jesus Christ is held as holy and in high esteem. For Christians and in Christian theology, Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God taking on humanity in its very divine essence. Christians in Malaysia, and indeed all over the world would worship the person of Christ Jesus. Christian tradition expounds the truth that Jesus Christ did indeed do many miracles and things impossible to human abilities in his life while on earth. This was done to provide authentication as to his divine essence in the context of those days; in the setting of the Roman empire to the Jews and Pharisees of his day. The miracles or his good deeds has nothing to do with ego and certainly not anything to do with the PH government's politics!!
To therefore associate Jesus Christ with a certain type-casted mentality and to further liken that mentality to the politics of the day in our present political climate and government of the day, is not only flippant but disingenuous and absolutely unacceptable coming from one who holds the high office of representative of the people in Parliament. The quote and the title caption in your news report will also certainly not leave a good taste or feel within the Christian community here and elsewhere.
Political leaders and public personalities should desists from using the name of a greatly revered religious personality simply to make his point or to simply score points against his political foe. Similarly, news report and perhaps journalists must take great care and guard against reporting or putting on caption that would cause distaste and ill feelings on the part of any religious groups and communities. I hasten to consider, would a similar news report be made saying the “Prophet Muhammad mentality” linking in good or bad ways to the PH government? Imagine the reactions that would come about?
Malaysia is a multi-religious society. As you know, inter-religious relations and tensions are on the rise and not going well. Much suspicions and fears have arisen for many reasons. The time has come for all ― politicians, journalists, editors and even the people on the street to do our utmost to renounce discord and strive for peaceful co-existence and social harmony. We can all start by exercising discretion and discernment in the way we report and certainly in the way we name and use religious personalities that is of much reverence to all in our midst. To this end, mutual respect and appreciation of each other is key.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
