A particular statement with a block letter word - SECULAR - is untimely ahead of an UMNO General Assembly, the core partner of MCA in the Barisan Nasional coalition.
I have differing views with MCA on whether or not Malaysia is an Islamic state and I look at this from an international and macro perspective.
Although the statement is an official statement for press release from MCA, I wonder if they received the Presidential council's approval.
However, I stand side by side with MCA that acknowledges the status of Islam in Malaysia as the official religion.
MCA: Malaysia is a SECULAR state
MCA Political Education Bureau head Sdr Gan Ping Sieu expressed reservation over the written reply given by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi to YB Karpal Singh in the Dewan Rakyat on 12 Mar 09 that “Malaysia is a ‘Negara Islam.’”
Ping Sieu welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement that Malaysia is not a theocratic state and shall adhere to a Parliamentary democratic system as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Meanwhile, he held that the reference of Malaysia as a “Negara Islam” by the Prime Minister is wholly unnecessary, as the phrase “negara Islam” will only serve to confuse the Rakyat and cause unwanted fear.
MCA respects Islam as the religion of the Federation & civil laws must prevail in disputes involving Muslims and non-Muslims
MCA stands by Article 3 of the Federal Constitution which reads that Islam is the religion of the Federation. Never at any time has MCA ever questioned Islam as the official religion of the Federation, in particular, its application for ceremonial purpose in official functions. MCA further stands by the various provisions regarding the sanctity of Islam in the many state constitutions.
2 comments:
About "...as the phrase “negara Islam” will only serve to confuse the Rakyat and cause unwanted fear...", isn't it the leaders' job to clear confusion or unwanted fear?
The majority is muslim in our country, whether we like it or not, we just cannot simply do things that may provoke or offend them by using the excuse that we are secular state.
And secular state or not is just one of the play card of politician, especially those from DAP. Sadly, in these days, the component parties of BN also like to play issues like Pakatan Rakyat instead of helping the people to be more understanding.
MCA's decision to describe Malaysia as a secular state is untimely and provocative.
I totally disagree with this statement although they have their own opinions and I have mine.
I stand by my idea that Malaysia is an Islamic state.
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