Christian Federation of Malaysia National Day Message

As we celebrate our 51st National Day under the theme, “Unity the core of success”, the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) invites all Christians to stand together with all other Malaysians, in a spirit of servanthood, and offer our prayers and supplications to God, seeking to be faithful in our calling to live in peace and harmony with one another (Romans 12:16-18).

Our country need to re-examine her priorities and policies, and reassert the Merdeka spirit that shaped the nation that we have become. Race and religion have reared their ugly sides. Unscrupulous people are making use of such issues for political gain.

Today, more than ever, our unity in diversity as a nation, is our strength and therefore should always be guarded with all our effort. 

We call upon our leaders to heed to the pledge made in 1970, and to ensure that our nation is governed in the spirit of the Rukunegara. The preamble reads;

“Our Nation, Malaysia is dedicated to: Achieving a greater unity for all her people; maintaining a democratic way of life; creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably distributed; ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural tradition; and building a progressive society which shall be orientated to modern science and technology.”

We believe national unity is being threatened today by various forms of religious bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Regaining confidence that the government and other agencies and public institutions will act fairly in upholding the constitution and protecting the rights of citizens, especially the minorities, is what the majority of Malaysians are appealing for.

The churches will pledge to work with the government and all other freedom-loving citizens to build national unity by promoting mutual respect between religious communities and a vibrant democratic life that celebrates our diversity.

May God’s richest blessings be upon our DYMM Yang DiPertuan Agong, DYMM our Sultans, our Government leaders, our parliamentarians and on all the peace-loving Malaysians.

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6)

Bishop Dr. Paul Tan Chee Ing, SJ (Chairman)
and members of the Executive Committee

29th August, 2008