MCA President together with several party leaders had a dialogue with representatives 
from the MCCBCHST 

Top MCA leaders led by myself today held a dialogue with the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism & Taoism (MCCBCHST).

Held in Wisma MCA, the dialogue is part of the Party’s efforts to reach out and gather feedback from different interest groups. Today’s three-hour meeting came six days after the MCA held a similar dialogue with top Christian leaders in the Party headquarters.

The dialogue was also held following the recent desecration of places of worship after a recent controversial court ruling on the usage of “Allah”.

As far as the MCA is concerned, such dialogues are crucial for the Party to mine feedback from the various religious groups at a time when a small group of irresponsible quarters are attempting to undermine the country’s stability, which is built on the foundations of mutual respect and understanding.

We had a very frank and fruitful exchange of ideas with leaders of the MCCBCHST at the closed-door dialogue. I am very appreciative of the input from the MCCBCHST. I could sense their apprehension, concerns and worries.

Various issues were raised during the meeting, which were not confined to the “Allah” issue. Other topics that were raised include the Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976, whether Malaysia is an Islamic State, allocation of public funds to places of worship, architecture of places of worship and burial lots for non-Muslims. We appreciate that many of these issues concern not so much about religion but about the constitutional freedom and principles of peace loving Malaysians.

We acknowledge that the issues are sensitive, complicated and may take a long time to resolve. Many of the issues raised and discussed today are not for public consumption due to the sensitivities involved. Nevertheless, we have a good and sound starting point. The Party, through its representatives will proactively address these concerns, whether at the Cabinet, State executive council or even at the local government level. We will announce the outcome of these deliberations at the appropriate time and place.

As the second-largest party in the ruling coalition, MCA will not waver in championing the rights and interests of minority, which are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. We will not succumb to the temptation of playing to the gallery as some parties have resorted to.

The Party will continue to hold such dialogues, including possibly one with Islamic groups in the near future. This is an issue that is best resolved collectively by all stakeholders in this country. The MCA believes that mutual trust and understanding between people of different backgrounds can only be sustained through such dialogues. Respect and harmony among different faiths and religions is key to a long-term solution to this prickly issue. It cannot be solved by resorting to the politics of hatred and violence.

MCA President
Dato’ Sri Ong Tee Keat 

28 January 2010

- MCA Online -