The President of the Council of Justices of the Peace, Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun has urged Christians in Sabah to make a compromise for the sake of national peace.
He is urging Christians to drop the word "Allah" in Malay-language services and Malay-language Bibles. He said that though this has been the practise for so long in Sabah, for the sake of peace, Sabahan Christians should abandon it, as this has caused anger to a cerain section of extremist Muslims in Malaya.
It is so easy to call for compromise. Sabahans have compromised on far too many things since the country was merged with Malaya to form Malaysia. We had to compromise on language, education, natural resources. Finally we have someone who is asking us to compromise on the way our Christians practise the religion.
Why is that Sabahans are the one who have to compromise all the time? When was the last time Malayans had to make a compromise? We had to compromise on petroleum,letting Petronas dig the oil here and giving us back only 5% of the earnings.
We had to compromise on government departments like the Fire Department and Road Transport Department, giving them to Federal control, only to see many Malayans filling the posts there, while many Sabahan youths remained jobless.
We had to compromise on having our time changed, going back one hour behind, only to have our civil servants work the same hours as those in Malaya. We had to compromise on having religious education being taught during school hours despite our founding fathers objecting to it, only to have other religions sidelined in school.
We had to compromise on religious freedom, even though the founding fathers of Malaysia guaranteed it for us. We had to compromise on having to surrender education matters to Federal authorities, only to have many Malayans filling posts in education here, while many of our qualified youths fail to get a teaching job.
There have been just too many compromises. The problem is that Sabahans make the compromise, but the Malayans demand more and more. When does it ever stop? Today, Christians in Sabah might have to drop the usage of Allah because they burned churches. What about tomorrow? What if they demand Sabahan Christians to stop displaying crucifixes outside churches?
What if they demand that churches stop ringing bells? What if they demand more and more things which would altogether wipe out Christian faith and identity? Are we going to compromise?
During the times of Moses and Jesus in the Bibles, persecuted peoples could always migrate as borders were less controlled. Those who faced persecution in Egypt went to Israel and started a new country. Those who ran from Palestine ran away to Rome and Syria.
But where would Christians today run away to? Where could they start their own country? Perhaps Clarence Bongkos Malakun can answer this for us?
The North Borneo Herald strongly believes that dropping the word "Allah" would not be the last demand to be made by extremist groups who also seem to have found their way to Sabah. They would demand more and more as history has shown us.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Church is Burned!
A fire bomb was hurled at an Assembly of God church in Desa Melawati, Selangor according to a Reuters report. The incident caused the ground floor of the church to be gutted. No one was hurt in the incident.
It seems that certain people in power have managed to fan the evil sentiments among the people which has caused this incident. This arose out of the controversy to use the word "Allah" among Christians.
Christians however are expected to react peacefully as violent reactions are not part of the Christian culture. But it leaves us wondering, what about the culture of those who perpetrated this action. Perhaps they have gods who use little of their brains. The North Borneo Herald therefore asks readers to pray for the perpetrators so that God shall touch their hearts.
It seems that certain people in power have managed to fan the evil sentiments among the people which has caused this incident. This arose out of the controversy to use the word "Allah" among Christians.
Christians however are expected to react peacefully as violent reactions are not part of the Christian culture. But it leaves us wondering, what about the culture of those who perpetrated this action. Perhaps they have gods who use little of their brains. The North Borneo Herald therefore asks readers to pray for the perpetrators so that God shall touch their hearts.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Allah Issue Could Be Resolved If Opportunities Given to Sabahans/Sarawakians
As expected, the Home Ministry has decided to appeal against the decision by the High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur which allowed Christians to use the word "Allah" in their religious publication.
This episode is also showing us some of the zealots in the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO). One of them is the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who has said that Muslims might be confused by Christian usage of the word "Allah". There is an imagined fear among certain groups that this could lead Muslims to convert to Christianity.
Then there is also former Prime Minister Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad who said something that made little sense.
Dr.Mahathir said that though Christians in Sabah and Sarawak have used the word "Allah" since before independence, it was something new in the Peninsula (Malaya). What this forgetful ex-prime minister forgot was that many Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians are now working and studying in "his" Peninsula.
Well, if Dr.Mahathir is unhappy that there are non-Muslims in Malaya using the word "Allah", then why not suggest all Federal-government posts in Sabah and Sarawak be filled with the natives of these two states. And he should also suggest that places in all public universities in the two states also be filled with Sabahans and Sarawakians only!
That way there would be no need for Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians to go to Malaya and "influence" Muslims with their version of Allah! It seems that this old ex-prime minister is very much forgetful or "mudah lupa" in Malay! He was the one after all who refused to even allow the Sabah government to reinstate the TV Sabah broadcast back in 1990. Did many Sabahsns get to head Federal departments during his time? He even refused to accede to Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan's demand to establish a university in Sabah, only to do it after Pairin left the Mahathir government.
And Malayan Muslims too should not be allowed to work and study in Sabah and Sarawak as they might be "confused" with Allah!
This "Allah" issue has shown us some of the extremists and zealots within the ruling UMNO! It is high time that our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak got rid of them in line with his 1Malaysia policy!
This episode is also showing us some of the zealots in the ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO). One of them is the Ministry of Defence, Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who has said that Muslims might be confused by Christian usage of the word "Allah". There is an imagined fear among certain groups that this could lead Muslims to convert to Christianity.
Then there is also former Prime Minister Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad who said something that made little sense.
Dr.Mahathir said that though Christians in Sabah and Sarawak have used the word "Allah" since before independence, it was something new in the Peninsula (Malaya). What this forgetful ex-prime minister forgot was that many Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians are now working and studying in "his" Peninsula.
Well, if Dr.Mahathir is unhappy that there are non-Muslims in Malaya using the word "Allah", then why not suggest all Federal-government posts in Sabah and Sarawak be filled with the natives of these two states. And he should also suggest that places in all public universities in the two states also be filled with Sabahans and Sarawakians only!
That way there would be no need for Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians to go to Malaya and "influence" Muslims with their version of Allah! It seems that this old ex-prime minister is very much forgetful or "mudah lupa" in Malay! He was the one after all who refused to even allow the Sabah government to reinstate the TV Sabah broadcast back in 1990. Did many Sabahsns get to head Federal departments during his time? He even refused to accede to Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan's demand to establish a university in Sabah, only to do it after Pairin left the Mahathir government.
And Malayan Muslims too should not be allowed to work and study in Sabah and Sarawak as they might be "confused" with Allah!
This "Allah" issue has shown us some of the extremists and zealots within the ruling UMNO! It is high time that our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak got rid of them in line with his 1Malaysia policy!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
High Pass Rate for Kadazandusun Subject
The Kadazandusun language paper which was offered for the first time in the 2009 Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR) recorded a 94% pass rate.
This augurs well for the subject. In 2011, the Kadazandusun language would for the first time be offered in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination.
It is also heartening to note that the Federal government has decided to allow Bible Knowledge and Kadazandusun grades to count in the SPM examinations!
This augurs well for the subject. In 2011, the Kadazandusun language would for the first time be offered in the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination.
It is also heartening to note that the Federal government has decided to allow Bible Knowledge and Kadazandusun grades to count in the SPM examinations!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Christians Free to Use Allah
The High Court of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur today declared that the ban on Christians using the word "Allah" is invalid.
Justice Lau Bee Lan ruled that the Home Ministry has failed to show how the use of the word "Allah" by Christians can create confusion among Muslims.
The case was filed by The Herald, a weekly-publication of the Roman Catholic Church. The Home Ministry had initially banned the Herald from using the word "Allah".
The Herald had sought to seek a nullification of the ban. The decision by the Home Ministry to ban the word by Christians is baffling. Christians, especially in Sabah and Sarawak have used the word "Allah" long before the formation of Malaysia. The word "Allah" has become part of the Christian tradition in the Malay Archipelago.
Therefore the High Court's decision is most welcome. Christians however should not be too overjoyed, as the Home Ministry has yet to make a stand on whether it would appeal the decision.
Justice Lau Bee Lan ruled that the Home Ministry has failed to show how the use of the word "Allah" by Christians can create confusion among Muslims.
The case was filed by The Herald, a weekly-publication of the Roman Catholic Church. The Home Ministry had initially banned the Herald from using the word "Allah".
The Herald had sought to seek a nullification of the ban. The decision by the Home Ministry to ban the word by Christians is baffling. Christians, especially in Sabah and Sarawak have used the word "Allah" long before the formation of Malaysia. The word "Allah" has become part of the Christian tradition in the Malay Archipelago.
Therefore the High Court's decision is most welcome. Christians however should not be too overjoyed, as the Home Ministry has yet to make a stand on whether it would appeal the decision.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Professor Makes Wild Accusation Against Christians
Recently, a renowned Muslim professor from Malaya, Dr.Ridhuan Tee Abdullah had written a politically-charged article in the Malayan-based Malay-language daily, Utusan Malaysia* which could upset the feelings of native Christians in Sabah and maybe even in Sarawak.
His article entitled "Tuduhan Penjahat Lebih Baik dari Berjahat" which translates as "Being Accused of a Crime is Better Than Committing a Crime" had many underlying political tones. It is very unfortunate however that in doing so he has touched on religious sensitivities.
In one line he wrote the following:
Selama inipun mereka tidak pernah menggunakan kalimah Allah di negara kita, kenapa secara tiba-tiba kalimah Allah hendak digunakan? Tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah strategi jahat mereka untuk mengelirukan umat Islam supaya mengikut agama mereka.
Translated, the above means:
"All this while they (Christians) have never used the word Allah in this country,so why now all of a sudden they want to use it? This is an evil strategy to confuse Muslims into converting to Christianity."
This so-called professor had demonstrated his ignorance here and he dares calls himself a professor. Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians have used the word "Allah" long before the formation of Malaysia.
It has never been an issue until religious extremists within the ruling coalition decided to make it an issue. If there is anyone with evil strategies here, it must be Dr.Ridhuan who is trying to confuse Muslims into thinking that the use of the word Allah is very recent and aimed at confusing Muslims!
We should be wondering then whether the title of his article is about himself!
*this newspaper though based in Malaya, is easily available in Sabah
His article entitled "Tuduhan Penjahat Lebih Baik dari Berjahat" which translates as "Being Accused of a Crime is Better Than Committing a Crime" had many underlying political tones. It is very unfortunate however that in doing so he has touched on religious sensitivities.
In one line he wrote the following:
Selama inipun mereka tidak pernah menggunakan kalimah Allah di negara kita, kenapa secara tiba-tiba kalimah Allah hendak digunakan? Tidak lain dan tidak bukan adalah strategi jahat mereka untuk mengelirukan umat Islam supaya mengikut agama mereka.
Translated, the above means:
"All this while they (Christians) have never used the word Allah in this country,so why now all of a sudden they want to use it? This is an evil strategy to confuse Muslims into converting to Christianity."
This so-called professor had demonstrated his ignorance here and he dares calls himself a professor. Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians have used the word "Allah" long before the formation of Malaysia.
It has never been an issue until religious extremists within the ruling coalition decided to make it an issue. If there is anyone with evil strategies here, it must be Dr.Ridhuan who is trying to confuse Muslims into thinking that the use of the word Allah is very recent and aimed at confusing Muslims!
We should be wondering then whether the title of his article is about himself!
*this newspaper though based in Malaya, is easily available in Sabah
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
The North Borneo Herald wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2009! Thank you for supporting the North Borneo Herald.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
English is the Language of the Courts in Sabah and Sarawak
A high court in Malaya recently dismissed a case filed by opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the latter's case was filed in English. The judge who threw out the case stated that Malay is the official language of Malaysia, therefore all court cases should be filed in the Malay language.
However this is not true for all of Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak, the official language of the courts are English, therefore any case filed in the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in the English language is valid. And any case in the Court of Appeal or Federal Court which originates from a high court in Sabah and Sarawak too shall be allowed to be filed in English.
This is provided for in Article 161 of the Federal Constitution. So please note here that the judge who threw out Anwar's case was not speaking for the whole of Malaysia.
However this is not true for all of Malaysia. In Sabah and Sarawak, the official language of the courts are English, therefore any case filed in the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in the English language is valid. And any case in the Court of Appeal or Federal Court which originates from a high court in Sabah and Sarawak too shall be allowed to be filed in English.
This is provided for in Article 161 of the Federal Constitution. So please note here that the judge who threw out Anwar's case was not speaking for the whole of Malaysia.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Seditious Book
The North Borneo Herald has received report of a highly seditious book that is being allowed to be sold in Malaysia. Whether this book has reached bookstores in Sabah is not known.
But so far the book has been made available in bookstores in Kuala Lumpur. The book written in the Malay language takes a swipe at Christianity and accuses Christians of trying to propagate the religion to Muslims.
It also seems that there is an entire chapter in the book about the alleged confession of a former Roman Catholic priest. The North Borneo Herald has learnt that this chapter is purely fictional and is aimed at confusing Muslims and inciting them to be suspicious of Christians.
The book also accuses Christians of propagating their faith under the guise of providing aid to the needy around the world.
There are many other lies leveled at Christians and the Christian church in this book. The book also accuses Christianity as a threat to Muslims!
Though Christians could easily recognize this book as pure rubbish, Muslims who read this book might be duped into hating Christians. This does not augur well for the harmony of the nation. It is hoped the authorities concerned would ban this book with immediate effect.
Details of the book are as follows:
Title of Book:Gerakan Orientalisme & Kristianisasi
Colour:Yellow (paperback)
Author:Haji Nik Azran Muhamed & Haji Mohd Mahadi Haji Isa
Publisher:Hijjaz Records Publishing
Year: May 2009
But so far the book has been made available in bookstores in Kuala Lumpur. The book written in the Malay language takes a swipe at Christianity and accuses Christians of trying to propagate the religion to Muslims.
It also seems that there is an entire chapter in the book about the alleged confession of a former Roman Catholic priest. The North Borneo Herald has learnt that this chapter is purely fictional and is aimed at confusing Muslims and inciting them to be suspicious of Christians.
The book also accuses Christians of propagating their faith under the guise of providing aid to the needy around the world.
There are many other lies leveled at Christians and the Christian church in this book. The book also accuses Christianity as a threat to Muslims!
Though Christians could easily recognize this book as pure rubbish, Muslims who read this book might be duped into hating Christians. This does not augur well for the harmony of the nation. It is hoped the authorities concerned would ban this book with immediate effect.
Details of the book are as follows:
Title of Book:Gerakan Orientalisme & Kristianisasi
Colour:Yellow (paperback)
Author:Haji Nik Azran Muhamed & Haji Mohd Mahadi Haji Isa
Publisher:Hijjaz Records Publishing
Year: May 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Bible Knowledge, Iban and Kadazandusun Languages
The decision by the Federal Cabinet to allow students taking the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) examination to sit for a maximum of 12 subjects is most welcome.
When the government had earlier limited the number of subjects to 10, it was worrisome to many students in Sabah and Sarawak. This is because in Sabah and Sarawak apart from the six core subjects and the 3 elective subjects, many students also sit for the Bible Knowledge paper.
It is learned that this year many students had to drop the Bible Knowledge paper when the government imposed the 10 subject limit. Apart from Bible Knowledge, many Iban students in Sarawak also sit for the Iban language paper.
In Sabah, by 2012, students would have the opportunity to sit for the Kadazandusun language paper. So apart from the 6 core and 3 elective subjects that they have to sit, they would be sitting for 2 additional papers, making them a total of 11 papers.
Therefore the government's previous limit of 10 was not good for students in East Malaysia. It is therefore heartening to note that the government has decided to increase the number of subjects SPM candidates could sit for.
The government's latest decision is therefore hailed.
LATEST UPDATE: The government has decided that the additional 2 subjects would not count in determining the SPM grade. This has been opposed by several NGOs in West Malaysia. The North Borneo Herald regrets the governments decision and hopes NGOs from Sabah and Sarawak would also present a memorandum to the authorities concerned.
When the government had earlier limited the number of subjects to 10, it was worrisome to many students in Sabah and Sarawak. This is because in Sabah and Sarawak apart from the six core subjects and the 3 elective subjects, many students also sit for the Bible Knowledge paper.
It is learned that this year many students had to drop the Bible Knowledge paper when the government imposed the 10 subject limit. Apart from Bible Knowledge, many Iban students in Sarawak also sit for the Iban language paper.
In Sabah, by 2012, students would have the opportunity to sit for the Kadazandusun language paper. So apart from the 6 core and 3 elective subjects that they have to sit, they would be sitting for 2 additional papers, making them a total of 11 papers.
Therefore the government's previous limit of 10 was not good for students in East Malaysia. It is therefore heartening to note that the government has decided to increase the number of subjects SPM candidates could sit for.
The government's latest decision is therefore hailed.
LATEST UPDATE: The government has decided that the additional 2 subjects would not count in determining the SPM grade. This has been opposed by several NGOs in West Malaysia. The North Borneo Herald regrets the governments decision and hopes NGOs from Sabah and Sarawak would also present a memorandum to the authorities concerned.
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