Centre for Public Policy Studies' (CPPS) views on the use of the word "Allah"
The Centre for Public Policy Studies applauds the decision to renew the publishing permit of the Kuala Lumpur-based "Herald – The Catholic Weekly" newspaper, which was previously under question. However, it is disappointed by the decision made by the Cabinet to disallow the use of the word "Allah" in reference to "God". In a released statement (Friday, 4 th January 2008), it was stated that the word "Allah" is restricted to Muslims in Malaysia and that Cabinet would restrict its use because "it has long been the practice of this country that the word Allah refers to God according to the Muslim faith".
The Federal Constitution guarantees the freedom to profess and practice one's religion in Malaysia. The freedom to practice one's own religion includes allowing communities to use their own language as a medium of instruction in their respective acts of worship and scriptural study.
The Arabic word for God, Arabic Christians have used the word "Allah" for centuries. Similarly, East Malaysian Christians have used the word "Allah" in their worship of God for generations, whilst their Malay Bibles have included the word "Allah". If it is the constitutional right of any Malaysian citizen to profess one's own religion, then allowing them the freedom to use the language in which they are most conversant and comfortable falls under the same jurisdiction.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Abdullah Mohd Zin also said that use of the word Allah should not be made a public debate that may give the impression that there is no freedom of religion in the country. The CPPS would like to point out that it is precisely for the preservation of freedom of religion that such issues should be discussed in an open and rational manner. Living in a multi-religious country, these issues of contention should not be swept under the carpet but instead confronted honestly and bravely, with equally sound solutions in hand. The approach to public policy should be increasingly consultative and constructive, as opposed to one in which any commentaries are silenced under the illusion of false unity.
The Centre for Public Policy Studies therefore proposes that the decision to use the word "Allah" in any Christian material should be left to the court, at which cases are currently being presided over already. The CPPS urges the Cabinet to consider carefully the sociological, cultural and historical aspects of the use of the word "Allah", as these dimensions are equally important within the public policy decision-making process.
We need to build national unity, and as the Prime Minister Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi has repeatedly stated, to be fair to all Malaysians regardless of race or religion. The important principles of Islam Hadhari could be compromised by the Government's present stand on this sensitive matter and its credibility would be impaired.
Therefore the CPPS appeals to the government: To review its decision which could be now interpreted, at home and abroad, as narrow, insensitive and contrary to our rukun negara and our Federal Constitution which aim to strengthen national unity, which is paramount to our nation's peace and progress in the future.
Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam
Chairman
Centre for Public Policy Studies
Kuala Lumpur
Friday, 4th January 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
A Visit to Bro T Raja - New Ark Mission of India, House of Hope.
Warning - Powerful video not suitable for children and faint hearted
What Where and When
Date : Sept 2006
Location : Bangalore India.
Purpose : Fact finding of Street Ministry cum Rehab Centre
Who : Pastor Phua ST, Ai Swee, Jenny and HW.
Ministry :
Street People : Homeless, drug addicts, very old, etc.
Ministry compound known as the House of Hope. Roughly 80 odd souls within the compound.
Brother Raja collects them from the streets and then houses them.
When we arrived Day 1, an elderly person died. Another person expired during the last day that we were there. A very demanding ministry to house these people.
Pastor Phua ministered to them. Most of them finally become friendly after 5th day by shaking hands with us or hugging us when we left.
Powerful ministry. Did not write about it until now - too many heartbreaking memories.
Saw Bro T Raja Sunday b4 Christmas Day 07. Felt that this would give testimony to Bro Raja and to the Lord's goodness in India.
My hats off to Pastor Phua and Bro Raja!
Friday, January 4, 2008
TEE Schedule for 2008 is out.
Seminari Theoloji Malaysia's (STM) TEE programme for 2008 is finally out!
Click http://www.stm.edu.my/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=446&Itemid=87
What is TEE?
No it is not a new brand of shampoo nor is it a type of weedkiller (DDT, etc.) nor is it a type of beverage (tea). Rather, it stands for Theological Education by Extension (TEE) which is a part-time programme for theological education.
For more explanations see below
http://www.stm.edu.my/english/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=49
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Hello, my name is Hoong Weng.
This is my first time in initiating a blog.
I am trying to take a few theology modules under Seminari Theoloji Malaysia (STM) in Seremban.
I think the other reason that I take up studies in STM is that every once in a while I have to go to Seremban for some modules there.
There are a few killer curry houses there which I would like to frequent. Hence my stomach actually rules my brains (and cholestrol levels).
Anyway, I have to go to sleep. Got to go to work tomorrow.
God bless
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