Discussion helps society improve

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism is bemused at the statements by Dato’ Seri Nazri Aziz that the forums sponsored by the Article 11 coalition “harm society”.

The forums were peaceful discussions on elements of the Federal Constitution and how it protected all Malaysians. The speakers were an eminent academician, prominent lawyers and representatives of non governmental organisations. The participants at the forums learnt about the Federal Constitution, and had an opportunity to voice out their own views, concerns and suggestions.

How can it be possible that such discussion harms society?

The Minister is obviously confusing the forums themselves with the actions of the unruly mobs who, bereft of the ability to reason and discuss these issues, resorted instead to bully tactics to try and extort the Government into stifling legitimate discussion.

The MCCBCHS is also bemused that despite the Prime Minister’s directive to halt these forums, various seminars, conferences and forums are being organised by Islamic NGOs in co-operation with governmental Islamic bodies with highly inflammatory titles (such as the need to ‘defend Islam’ and so on) designed to incite Muslims and deepening communal divisions.

The MCCBCHS regrets that bully tactics appear to have succeeded, and the Government is now stifling discussion (except discussions by the bullies).

Dated this 23rd day of August 2006

R. Thiagaraja
Hon Secretary General