A dialogue between MCA leaders and representatives from the Malaysian  Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taosim (MCCBCHST) in Malaysia took place today, 28 January 2010, in MCA HQ. The dialogue started at 12pm and lasted for three hours, finishing at 3pm.

Representing MCA were top leaders such as Party President Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat, Party Secretary-General Senator Dato’ Wong Foon Meng, MCA Religious Bureau Chief Datuk Seri Tan Chai Ho, MCA Spokesperson and Political Education Bureau Chief Sdr. Gan Ping Sieu, MCA NGO Liaison Bureau Chief Dato’ Ti Lian Ker, MCA InfoCom Bureau Chief Senator Heng Seai Kie, MCA Legal Bureau Chief Dato’ Lim Hong Sang, and MCA Putrajaya Divison Chief Sdr. Khoo Chin Nam.

The representatives of the MCCBCHST were the President Rev. Dr. Thomas Philips, Deputy President Sdr. BS Tan, Vice-President Venerable Ming Ji, Vice-President Sardar V. Harcharan Singh, Honorary Secretary-General Sdr. Prematilaka KD Serisena, Treasurer-General Sdr. Tan Hoe Chieow, and EXCO members Sdr. Tan Kong Beng, Sdr. SO. Paramsothi, Sdr. Sardar Jagir Singh, Sdr Lau Chean Kiat, and Sdr Goh Kiat Peng. Legal advisors to the MCCBCHST Sdr Ng Chek and Sdri Sally Chee were also present.

“During the dialogue, many leaders took the opportunity to exchange views. We share the same concern and views in condemning the despicable acts on churches and suraus or any places of worship,” said Tee Keat in a press conference after the dialogue.

Other issues discussed included the usage of the word “Allah”, proposed amendments to the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, Malaysia as an Islamic state, and allocation for funds and land for non-Muslims.    

Tee Keat also mentioned that he foresees many more such dialogues happening with the religious associations as well as several other bodies, saying that “This is just the beginning”. He also expressed hopes that MCA would be able to have dialogues with other groups as well.

“Today we are having dialogue with the MCCBCHST. We are going to have several more sessions with the youths and associations, for instance, as well as professional bodies in the country. When we talk about good governance, this has been one of the key thrusts we are committed to. In the midst of transforming the party, it is only relevant, we listen to the ground. We solicit feedback. We walk the extra mile to solicit some proposals, if any, from the various groups in the country. They might be of different views. Nonetheless, they are useful and relevant for us to engage them,” the President said.

During the dialogue, Tee Keat assured the MCCBCHST that he would air their views, concerns and fears to his fellow Cabinet members and also pledged that other MCA leaders would do the same.

 -MCA Online-