Tuesday May 7, 2013

GE13: Religious leaders want reconciliation plan to be inclusive

By EILEEN NG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Religious leaders have voiced hopes that the plan for a national reconciliation will be inclusive and address the needs of the people.

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism president Tan Hoe Chieow said Malaysians should be united by working towards racial har- mony and religious understand- ing together.

“We welcome the initiative to promote racial unity as well as moderation in all religion to fight religious and racial extremism.

“Our undivided support will drive the nation forward,” said Tan, in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's pledge for national reconciliation to tackle extremism and racism as well as promote moderation among Malaysians.

Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) chairman Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng said the programme should involve all parties and races and make “Bangsa Malaysia” a top priority.

The reconciliation process would not work if the Government practises selective prosecution, he said.

Bangsa Malaysia, he said, could work because Malaysians wanted to be treated with dignity and respect.

“The increasing frustration of the common people must be addres-sed. What is really needed is the reconciliation between the Government and the people,” he said.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shah said the Government should tackle current problems before any reconciliation could take place.

“If a council is set up to look into the reconciliation programme, priority should be given to religious leaders or non-governmental organisations,” he said.

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Tuesday May 7, 2013

GE13: Religious leaders want reconciliation plan to be inclusive

By EILEEN NG newsdesk@thestar.com.my

By EILEEN NG
newsdesk@thestar.com.my