Church is justified in seeking explanation, apology

By Wong Choon Mei, Harakah Daily

KUALA LUMPUR, Mac 5: PAS leaders said demands from the Catholic Church to the Attorney-General for an explanation on why it has chosen not to take action against two Al-Islam journalists as well as an apology from the magazine were justified and should be respected.

“We must understand where the Church is coming from. It believes it is entitled to protection and respect from the government, just as other religions in the country including Islam,” PAS MP for Shah Alam Khalid Samad told Harakahdaily.

“It is therefore seeking a form of commitment from the authorities that Christians here can continue to enjoy their rights and will be allowed to practice their religion in safety and without any undue harassment.”

An offshoot of Umno-owned Utusan

In May 2009, the monthly Al-Islam magazine – owned by a subsidiary of Umno media group Utusan Melayu Bhd – carried a report by two journalists who went undercover to investigate alleged proselytizing of Muslims at two churches in Kuala Lumpur.

In their article, the two reporters also revealed that in the process they accepted the Holy Communion but later spat out the bread given to them. To the Christians, such an act is a serious desecration and police complaints were lodged.

However, last week, the police announced that they would not press charges against the two reporters, while the AG said it would not act against the magazine. Their decisions caused unhappiness amongst the Christians.

Indeed, there are also Malaysians who believe that the authorities chose not to act because of Al-Islam's link to Umno, not because it might create further religious tensions as the mainstream press has tried to imply.

“It is only fair for the AG to sit down with the Church and give a proper explanation. I am sure other Malaysians would also be interested to know what is the reason for not taking further action," PAS vice president Salahuddin Ayub told Harakahdaily.

"The AG must clear the air because of accusations of double standards since the magazine is owned by Utusan. It must be mindful of the feelings of the Christians as well. This is in line with Quran, which allows for the practice of other religions."

We can forgive, but please say sorry

Meanwhile, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Murphy Pakiam has also demanded an apology from the magazine, saying it would not pursue legal action if a public apology was made.

“Forgiveness is a main part of our club. We strive daily in our prayers for forgiveness,” Murphy told reporters.

"I also appeal to the Attorney-General to explain the decision not to take further action on the Al-Islam journalists' case. The decision not to prosecute appears to legitimize the actions of the Al-Islam journalists."

According to the PAS leaders, the reporters, editors and owners of the magazine should not be ashamed to apologize for trespassing the churches.

"Islam teaches respect for all religions. It tells us to be humble. So in this regard, I don't see any reason why the magazine and the reporters should not apologize," said Salahuddin.

“If the positions were reversed – would we Muslims not be angry? Why the need go undercover, why behave so clandestinely in a place of worship? Who spread the proselytizing rumors, why aren't the police checking up on that?" asked Khalid.

"We must trust each other more and not let politics cloud the practice of Islam and other religions in this country, or to keep inflaming the races against each other.”