This is the real Malaysia

Mundanely moderate and welcoming to all.

PETALING JAYA: One can safely say that inter-religious dialogue in Malaysia has not been at its best recently.

In Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, Muslim protestors, claiming that the affixation of a cross on the exterior of a small non-denominational church constituted provocation, demanded its removal last Sunday.

Church leaders, not wanting to be the cause of trouble, quickly removed it. Despite assurances from the Selangor state government, they might be reluctant to restore it.

The protestors cite a number of reasons. This is a Muslim majority area; the Christian community is so small it does not justify the setting up of a church in the area; the perceived threat of proselytisation; and the unwelcome attraction of Christianity to young, impressionable Muslims.

Many among them will revisit the racial riots which took place in Kg Medan some 14 years ago. Others with longer memories will go even further back to recall events from riots which took place across the country in 1969.

Yet, that does not represent the real Malaysia.

The real Malaysia – mundanely moderate and welcoming to all – is found in almost every other nook and cranny up and down the country.

It may just be that we are looking too intently at all the wrong places.

Catholic priest Rev. Fr Phillips Muthu ( pix on the left)  tells of his own experience.

‘I am now based in Terengganu,’ he tells FMT, ‘a Catholic priest among a 97 per cent Muslim population.’

‘Yet what I see is a lot of goodwill, cordiality, respect and friendship.’

Head of the Catholic Mission in Terengganu, Fr Phillips says that he sees plenty of room in the country for Malaysians of different races and religions to co-exist.

First and foremost, he says, Malaysians need to develop a culture of mutual respect for one another’s religions so that each person can co-exist with the other and contribute to the common good of all.

‘We must learn to respect – not just tolerate – because tolerance may diminish and violence would take its place,’ he explained.

‘We have seen such violence in many countries where religions are at loggerheads with one another.’

Fr Phillips said that it was the duty of everyone – politicians, religious leaders, educationists, parents and the community at large – to inculcate good vibes and values in the minds of children, teenagers, adults and the very grown-up.

The media also has a role to play in this process of nation-building, he said.

‘It must be able to reflect on present issues not merely in cold terms as to whether or not there has been compliance with existing laws. Instead, it must also appreciate, recognise and help bring to the fore the many positive values and elements of the different cultures and religions that make up our beautiful country.’

He cautions against defending one’s religious rights through violence and angry protests.

Instead, he calls on all Malaysians to resolve their differences through dialogue, prayer and even over a meal.

‘After all,’ he says, ‘we are all Malaysians.’

Fr Phillips gladly gives small daily doses of his wisdom to the fairly large following of Catholics which he has amassed on social media.

One posting, in particular, dated March 4 this year stands out.

He wrote -

‘We visited Tuan Sabariah Tuan Ishak, the wife of late Tok Guru, and their son YB Nik Mohammed Abduh (MP for Pasir Mas) and some of the PAS Committee members yesterday at their residence in Pulau Melaka, Kelantan, where Tok Guru passed away. It was a cordial moment, exchanging our thoughts about Tok Guru.

Among the good things that emerged in the discussion during our visit was that Tok Guru was a humble and a good family man. He lived to his principles, living a simple life. A dedicated family man.

They expressed that good dialogue between the Muslims and Christians must continue.’

In the real Malaysia, Fr Phillips says confidently, it still can.