Archbishop Julian Leow, Chairman of Christian Federation of Malaysia
By Borneo Today
Aug 31 2020
PETALING JAYA – The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has slammed PAS Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh for his recent comments on the Bible.
“That this belittlement of our sacred scriptures occurs during a time of distress and economic hardship, but also with an uncertain future as the global pandemic rages, it displays not just gross insensitivity but a blatant disregard for the well-being of fellow humankind.
“He thought little when making spurious claims when he said ‘Kitab Injil ini dipesongkan ataupun diubah (the Gospel is distorted or changed)’ during a debate in the Dewan Rakyat on Aug 26, ” said CFM chairman Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim in a statement on Monday (Aug 31).
He also said that Nik Muhammad’s refusal to apologise showed that he should be censured and that action be taken against him.
“He is recalcitrant and reportedly unwilling to withdraw or apologise for his demeaning words. This lawmaker must be unreservedly censured and rebuked by all right-minded people.
“No person is above the law, relevant authorities also need to undertake appropriate investigations into the offensive conduct of this lawmaker, ” he said.
He added that Nik Muhammad’s remark goes against the Prime Minister’s message of national unity.
“At a time when strenuous calls for national unity are made by the Prime Minister, and Malaysia Prihatin (Malaysia Cares) is the guiding principle for the nation’s celebration of the 63rd anniversary of Merdeka Day and the 57th anniversary of Malaysia Day, it is an outrage that a Member of Parliament who sits on the government’s bench shows little concern for the need to rebuild the nation.
“Whilst the Christian Federation of Malaysia remains constantly open to dialogue for advancing greater understanding to foster peace and harmony among all peoples, dialogue must be predicated on mutual respect and undertaken in a spirit of humility if it is to be fruitful in sowing seeds of trust and goodwill for the betterment of all, ” he said.
Nik Muhammad made the comment in Parliament when he spoke against the consumption of alcohol during his debate on the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020. – Borneo Today
