Dompok to continue making non-Muslim voices heard

KUDAT: Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will continue voicing matters concerning the well being of non-Muslim communities in the country.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department said the government had promised that everybody would have a place under the Malaysian sun.

“That was the Barisan Nasional manifesto for the recent general election. I intend to help ensure the promise is fulfilled. I will continue to voice out our concerns (as the non-Muslim communities),” he said.

Dompok, the Upko president, said so in his speech when officiating the 33rd Protestant Church of Sabah (PCS) Synode here on Thursday.

“We are all citizens of Malaysia, this beloved country of ours. Our rights are enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Let us work hand-in-hand to ensure our basic rights, such as freedom of religion, will always be upheld,” he said.

In that context, he had contributed towards seeking solution to sensitive issues including on Syariah law, apostasy, the banning of non-Muslims to use the word Allah and the likes.

He also noted with joy that the government “has a listening ear” to whatever grouses from people of all walks of life.

“This is actually in line with the Barisan Nasional manifesto that everybody has a place under the Malaysian sun. On our part, let us play well our role where ever we may be. Together, we can make this country a nation we could all be proud of,” said Dompok.

The three-day synode, under the leadership of PCS president Reverend Sopirid Masandu, was attended by about 300 people. Also present were Reverend Dr Hermen Shastri, the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) secretary general.

THANK YOU… Dompok (left) receiving a memento from Masandu after the synode opening ceremony

4 April 2008