Dec 1st 2006 Update

from Hamdan Ibrahim in malaysiakini
Nov 29, 06 4:59pm

I refer to the malaysiakini report; SMS rumours: Bishop calls for prayer on Friday.

Sometimes, I cannot understand the mentality of my fellow Muslim brethren who believe in malicious rumors. Is the mind and faith of the Muslim community so weak that they will believe in anything no matter how stupid it sounds?

The rumours of the baptisms have been circulating by SMS for quite some time now. It baffles the mind why the authorities did not come out with a statement earlier denying such a malicious rumour and to stop it from spreading. The demonstration by Muslims at the Ipoh church will give the impression to foreigners that minorities in this country have their religious freedom curbed and are not allowed to practice their religion freely.

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with different religions and it is sad to see this oasis of peace and harmony among the various races under attack by religious bigots who are bent on stoking racial tensions with their extreme attitude towards other religions.

No man is an island and the government should move to nip in the bud racial and religious tensions. Nation-building and unity can only be enhanced if all people respect each another’s faith and values and have a ‘live and let live’ attitude towards one another.

I think not only churches should have special prayers this Friday but all Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists or those of other faiths too should have special prayers to the Almighty to pray for a better future for our children and grandchildren and for us to live in peace and harmony among ourselves.

Let us hope that in future people will not be gullible enough to believe in malicious rumors. The authorities must come down hard on sick individuals who resort to dirty tricks to stoke the emotions of one religious group against another.