Association disappointed with Mahdzir’s visit

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KUCHING: The Association of Churches (ACS) in Sarawak is deeply disappointed that Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has seen it fit to visit Sarawak – the only Christian-majority state in Malaysia – after insulting Christians last August and not apologising for his unfounded and irresponsible comments.

A press statement issued by ACS secretary-general Ambrose Linang yesterday pointed out that ACS chairman the Right Reverend Datuk Bolly Lapok, who is Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei, had previously called on Mahdzir to apologise for his divisive and incendiary remarks, but until today no apology has been forthcoming.

“The ACS reiterates our concern that the Minister of Education should have stooped to the level of slandering and demonising those of other faiths for political gain. In doing so, he had failed in his sworn duty to preserve, protect and defend the Federal Constitution,” said the statement.

“As a minister, he is duty-bound to protect and defend the rights of all Malaysians and to preserve the peace and harmony among the various groups in the community.”

The statement said having failed to do so and having caused hurt to a large segment of the Malaysian population, Mahdzir should “be humble enough to offer his apologies. Regrettably, he has chosen to ignore our concerns”.

“We are pleased to note that PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) Sarawak chairman Baru Bian had requested the honourable Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) to bring up the matter with the minister concerned.

“The Chief Minister has, ever since taking office, championed the rights of Sarawakians to practise the religions of their choosing, and reassured Christians on several occasions that he will defend our rights, including the right to use the word ‘Allah’,” added the statement.

ACS said it hoped Adenan realises and acknowledges the grievous hurt inflicted upon the Christian community by Mahdzir’s “callous words and that he will convey in the strongest terms the need for the minister to apologise to the Christian community at large”.