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MCA will defend religious freedom, says Ka Ting |
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Monday, 19 May 2008 07:36am |
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©The
Star (Used by permission)
by Ng Si Hooi
KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA will continue to defend the right to freedom of religion
as provided by the Federal Constitution, said party president Datuk Seri Ong Ka
Ting.
Based on the country’s current situation, Ong said religious issues still needed
to be handled properly.
“To further enhance the understanding among the different religions, various
religious organisations should have dialogues to discuss religious issues from
time to time.
“Educationists who are familiar with religious issues should also organise
seminars to explore more deeply into the issues,” he said in his message in
conjunction with Wesak Day celebrations.
Ong said this year’s Wesak Day theme – Creating a Harmonious Society with
Compassion and Equality – was significant and meaningful.
He also urged Malaysians to assist those affected by the earthquake in China and
Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Ong’s brother Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, who is the Housing and Local Government
Minister, also made a similar call for assistance for the victims in his Wesak
Day message.
“Let the victims know that they are not alone in this difficult moment and that
we care about them,” he said.
“Malaysians have been practising compassion and equality in the last 50 years.
We respect the Constitution that states Islam is the official religion and at
the same time we also respect the right of people of other faiths to practise
their religion,” he said.
He said the recent decision by the Syariah High Court in Penang to allow an
application by a Chinese Muslim convert to renounce Islam and revert to her
original faith was a historical breakthrough on the development of religious
freedom.
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