Malaysian PM sends condolences to Vatican
PETALING JAYA: The tireless campaigns of Pope John Paul II for world peace, justice and human dignity will remain an enduring legacy in the minds of people regardless of faith, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia deeply admired the late pontiff’s campaigns, adding that the Pope embodied the qualities of spiritual piety and moral strength that earned him respect throughout the world.
“His message of religious tolerance, dialogue and reconciliation has contributed significantly in promoting better understanding between Christians and believers of other religions including Islam,” he said in his condolence message to the Vatican Cardinal Camerlengo, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo yesterday.
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Parishioners at St Theresa Church on Jalan Gajah Berang in Malacca watching a video clip of the late Pope during mass on Sunday. |
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described the death of Pope John Paul II as a “big loss.”
He said the 84-year-old pontiff had stood for universal principles which were consistent and similar with the Government’s views.
“It is a big loss not only for Catholics but the world over because the Pope, during his lifetime, championed universal causes.
“He was against war and violence and believed in peaceful resolution of the Palestinian problem and war in Iraq,” he said after participating in a golf tournament organised by the National Press Club and BAE Systems at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
Najib said like Malaysia, the Pope was a great believer of inter-faith dialogue.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting expressed his deepest sympathy to all Catholics in Malaysia over the Pope’s death.
“In his 26 years as the head of the Roman Catholic Church, he travelled widely to 129 different countries to promote global peace and goodwill,” he said.
Ong said the pontiff was a healer and a beacon of light around the world, adding:
“The Pope had also shown us his untiring efforts in promoting global peace, goodwill and better inter-faith understanding throughout the world.”
MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said he was saddened by the news of the Pope’s death.
“He was a great man who fought for world peace and raised matters concerning people at the right forums.
“The late Pope was a very caring and humanitarian person and always fought for peace,” he said.
Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said John Paul II was a great statesman who had prayed and worked for world peace, justice and unity.
“The Pope had touched and inspired so many people including those from other faiths.
“As a Buddhist, I was touched by his gesture to reach out and travel to Muslim countries and also meet religious leaders such as the Dalai Lama,” he said.
PAS secretary-general Nasharuddin Mat Isa extended the party’s condolences to the Catholic community, adding:
“It is a loss of a great man who had made efforts to call for peace in the world and engage in religious dialogue.
“It is a great loss not only for the Catholics but to everyone.”
Photo Gallery: Life and times of John Paul II
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