Deputy Prime Minister’s Inference at Press Conference (17th July)
That Malaysia from its independence can be referred to as an “Islamic State”

The Council of Churches deeply regrets that the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, came out publicly recently to assert that Malaysia is an “Islamic State”.

His statement has greatly upset the whole non-Muslim population in Malaysia , who constitute forty per cent of the population.

Furthermore, his statement goes against the very letter, spirit and foundation of the Federal Constitution of Malaysia . The coming together of the different ethnic groups under the “social contract” at the time of Independence (1957), envisaged a country that is secular and where the multiethnic and multireligious differences are celebrated to strengthen national unity. 

As we prepare to celebrate our 50th Merdeka Anniversary, such a statement by a government official does dampen the spirit of unity and casts a dark cloud over the future of this country.

We appeal to the government in general and to the DPM in particular, to refrain from using “Islamic State” as an official description of the country to stir up racial tension as it is precisely that, inspite of our diversity, that we are able to live together in harmony as a nation and which has made Malaysia what it is today, a fascinating and beautiful country.

Let us all, therefore, celebrate our 50th Merdeka Anniversary in this spirit, and continue to work together as Malaysians and not be divided either by race or religion for the progress of our country.

Dated 24th July 2007