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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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