No place in society for those who sow seeds of hatred

Our choice is clear. Come together in action for a future of justice, freedom, hope, compassion and goodwill for our children or it will be replaced by a future of injustice, tyranny, hopelessness, cruelty and hate.

by R. Nadeswaran

(Source: TheSunDaily News - Wed, 18 May 2011)


THE hallowed corridors of the renowned Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford University have been the scene of the entry of many luminaries whose speeches elucidated its audience.

Monday was no different when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak delivered his address. The packed hall had students, academicians, diplomats, businessmen both local and Malaysian, and even a disgraced politician.

Najib’s speech on moderation, peppered with quotes from the Quran, the Torah and even the Bible, went on to outline Malaysia’s success as a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.

He said: “In managing our plurality, we have decided on integration as opposed to assimilation. Malaysians accept their diversity. We do not merely tolerate each other but we also embrace and celebrate. By leveraging the robustness and dynamism of our diversity, we have created a foundation for our national resilience.”

Touching on Islam and extremism, he said the solution lies in not for more Muslims to speak up but for the entire world to stand up.

“Just as Muslims need to make their voices heard, so do the Christians, the Jews, the Buddhists, the Hindus and the atheists who are sickened by intolerance, violence and terror and need to make their voices heard. We need to hear the concerted voices from moderates in all countries and from all walks of life. And when we do, the prize of peace is there for all to see.”

This was not the first time Najib had called for the voices of the moderates to drown out those of the extremists. At the United Nations in September last year, he called for a Global Movement of the Moderates that would see government, intellectuals, religious scholars and business leaders across the world take a united stand – a the spirit of moderation or balance.

Malaysians sitting in the audience must have been left wondering as to why their leader’s philosophies and ideals are not enshrined in the minds and hearts of some politicians back home.

If the PM is an advocate of moderation, tolerance and acceptance, why have the voices of extremism overpowered and threatened what we have done and achieved over the past 50 years?

Are certain elements deliberately defying the PM? Are certain individuals in disagreement with the PM by covertly and overtly supporting the voices of extremism? While the PM has the support of the majority, is the PM walking alone in his bid for religious and racial harmony?

From afar and from reading what is happening, there has been unnecessary tension based on hearsay, half-truths and lies. Hatred is being spewed without basis and the minds of Malaysians of races are being clouded by uncalled for claims, allegations and statements.

In the buses plying in certain suburbs of London there are posters stating “Hate Hurts”. It is a constant reminder that hatred based on race, religion, colour, creed or gender is totally unacceptable.

Tolerance

Najib quoted Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in a prison in Staten Island. When asked how he got through that period (most of which was in solitary confinement), the anti-apartheid campaigner declared: “I would like to be bitter, but there is no time to be bitter. There is work to be done…”

Every right-thinking Malaysian will embrace the PM’s wisdom and prophetic words on moderation, tolerance and acceptance.

He concluded his speech with these words: “Our choice is clear. Come together in action for a future of justice, freedom, hope, compassion and goodwill for our children or it will be replaced by a future of injustice, tyranny, hopelessness, cruelty and hate.


“Because the real divide is not between East and West or between the developed and developing worlds or even between Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It is between moderates and extremists of all religions. Together, let us embrace moderation as the best course of action and for the best way forward.”

Will all those seeking fame and glory by flaming the fire of hatred in the hope of occupying the seats of power listen to the clarion call for some semblance of temperance?

Can those who in the past had made idiotic, unacceptable and deplorable statements for selfish purposes keep their mouths shut? Will those who were involved in acts aimed at provoking peace-loving Malaysians end their charades?

Everyone wants a harmonious Malaysia. Those who have sowed the seeds of hatred and abhorrence have no place in society, and that in a nutshell was the PM’s message to the world, especially his fellow Malaysians.

Malaysia 'probably transit point for WMD parts'

"Malaysia would strictly enforce a new law to curb trafficking of nuclear weapons components after being linked with the illegal supply of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya. "- Said Najib Razak, Malaysia Prime Minister

(Sources: Yahoo and AFP news) March 22, 2011


(AFP/File – File photo shows cargo ships dock at Malaysia's Klang port on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia)

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia is probably an illicit transit point for parts used in weapons of mass destruction, the home minister was quoted as saying Tuesday after police seized suspected weapons equipment.

"It is safe for me to say that Malaysia is likely being used as a transit point and not as a destination point for WMD," home minister Hishammuddin Hussein was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

Police said last week they had asked the country's nuclear agency for a report on parts seized from a ship bound for western Asia.

The local Sun daily had reported that authorities impounded two containers of "parts of an equipment believed used to make weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear warhead" in early March from a Malaysian-registered ship.

The dismantled equipment was seized at Port Klang, west of Kuala Lumpur, from the ship after it arrived from China, that report said.

The parts were among items subject to controlled and restricted sale by the UN Security Council and under international law, it said, adding that captain and crew were questioned before being allowed to leave port with their vessel.

Hishammuddin, who oversees domestic security, said that Malaysia had now sought the assistance of foreign experts to examine the seized parts, according to the Star.
Last April, Premier Najib Razak said Malaysia would strictly enforce a new law to curb trafficking of nuclear weapons components after being linked with the illegal supply of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya.

Review of nuclear plants proposal in wake of Japan earthquake

"How Possibly Does A Leader Going Round And Round A Track Help The Nation Grow? Do Be One Good Leader Like Those Who Let Our Voices Be Heard! " 

(source: masslive.com- The Associated Press news) March 14,2011


BOSTON (AP) — Sen. John Kerry is urging the Obama administration to rethink its push for a new generation of nuclear power plants.
The Massachusetts Democrat said the devastating earthquake in Japan that led to two hydrogen explosions at a tsunami-stricken nuclear power facility should automatically cause the administration to back off calls for new nuclear plants in the United States.
Kerry said Monday that new plants shouldn't be built until they can be designed to guarantee that the nuclear core won't break apart even under the most extreme kinds of stress like an earthquake.
He said without that guarantee no community will accept a nuclear plant nearby.
President Barack Obama has said the country needs to expand its energy sources, from wind and solar to a new generation of nuclear power plants.

_________________________________________________

At the parliament in Malaysia,
(Source: SAPP official website)
It's time to review nuclear plant proposal

(Kuala Lumpur, March 22, 2011): Datuk Chua Soon Bui , Member of Parliament Tawau who is the Vice President of SAPP said while the world shared the grief with Japan on the Holocaust of the double disaster of earthquake and Tsunami which devastated Japan leading to millions homeless, and thousands of death.

"We Parliamentarians from Malaysia, and I from the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) shared the burden of sorrow and convey our deepest condolences to the Japan Government and the people of Japan.

"We mourned with Japan on the loss of lives, homes destroyed, we sympathized and concern to the families who lost their closed family members, relatives and friends, we understand the anxiety and agony for the missing, the burden of pain is beyond imagination.

She agrees with the government that it's time we extend our helping hands, to give assistance, offer our emotional and moral support, so that it makes it easier for them to brace through the challenges and sustain a high spirit to recover from these nightmares and hardship.

"The explosions of the Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Japan have added more fear and anxiety to the people in the region on their safety and we pray that the matter will be resolved successfully so as to avert any possible disastrous aftermath.

"In the line of these devastation, we have much to learn from Japan on the efficiency of their authorities to combat the disaster, their strong social culture, their strong family and community ties, and the discipline of the people, the readiness of the people to face these emergencies.

"The recent visits to the DIET members of parliament (MP) by a delegation of 28 Malaysian Parliamentarians during our peace mission to Japan organised by UPF (universal peace federation ) were well received and fruitful. We are concerned that we have lost communication with the UPF Japan after the disaster and pray that they are safe and well.

WE FROM THE DELEGATION THE UPF WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY OUR SINCERE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES, THE INFRASTRUCTURES AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"We are also saddened by threats faced by the people at the FUKUSHIMA nuclear plant explosions and also urged the relevant ministries and authorities to keep the Malaysian public inform on the contagious effect of the possible nuclear particles to Malaysia and food security.

She also would like to urge the Ministry of Energy, green technology and water to ABOLISH the building of the nuclear power plant in Malaysia especially in Sabah. She urge the Ministry to take hints from Germany whom had just announced its closed down of 7 nuclear power plants, Austria also object to building of this source of energy. I am confident that we can resolve to many other alternative renewable energy in Malaysia if we are for sighted enough for the benefits of our children and grand-children.

"The people of Sabah are worried and wanted to know whether the government has any policy in term of resources , training especially on disaster management in tackling radiation risks from a foreign country because Sabah is very near the neighboring Bataan nuclear power plant near Manila , Philippines and also many in China.

With this, she supported the motion of the resolutions.

Bahasa Malaysia Bible Holy Scriptures Desecrated

-"The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia."-

(Sources: NECF Malaysia website)

马来西亚基督教联会
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

2011年3月17日
马来西亚基督教联会对污辱圣经之事媒体文告
（以英文为准）

马来西亚基督教社群因政府不但污辱而且污损圣经，而心灵深深的被创伤。

最初听到政府答应退回在吧生港口及古晋被扣押的马来西亚文圣经时，大家都感到欣慰和欢
喜。

可是欢喜却是短暂，很快就变成悲伤和哀悼，因为退回是带有某些条件的：每本圣经必须印


“”上一个系列编号，有关控制出版可兰经部门的印章，以及奉内政部之命等字。

这意味着，如今马来西亚文圣经被视为限制品，也是人控制了上帝的话语。这完全是冒犯基
督徒之事。所有尊敬宗教经典的人士都会对此行动感到震惊。

马来西亚基督教社群一直都采取善意行动，极大忍耐，并不以牺牲本身基本信仰的原则，去
寻求解决方案。政府却没有投桃报李。这么多年来，政府通过有系统性及不合理条件和限制
的实施，不断的更移目标。

我们从来没有同意用任何字眼来说明圣经只供基督徒用。1982年发出的命令是根据1960年
内安法令，也没有提到必须印任何的字眼在任何的马来西亚文圣经上。

所以，我们完全不能接受，最新内政部
2011年3月15日的来函，对退还扣押圣经的一连串新
施加的条件。我们永远不会同意任何污辱圣经之事，因为上帝的话语对我们来说是神圣的。

我们也完全拒绝政府对马来西亚文圣经的论点，即此圣经有损国家利益和危害马来西亚的安
全，并且被列为颠覆刊物。

作为基督徒，我们不知为何我们的圣经会成为国家安全的威胁。但我们许多人却可以见证，
圣经所带来的希望，以及医治破碎生命和家庭。

因此，我们坚持政府撤回有关施加退回在吧生港口及古晋被扣押圣经的条件。鉴于有的圣经
已经可能被印上有关的条件，我们将不会接收这些的圣经。

我们呼吁所有的马来西亚人，从西马到沙巴和砂拉越，各阶层人士，一起团结，拒绝任何企
图在我们所爱的国家里，限制宗教自由。

我们邀请所有在马来西亚的基督徒保持冷静，并继续为此事得到一个有尊严及尊敬的方案祷
告。2011年3月20日的星期日是标志圣经在吧生港口被扣押的第二周年，我们呼吁所有在马
来西亚和其他地方的人，以这天为祷告和安静反思的日子。

此致，

马来西亚基督教联会
会长黄满興主教以及全体执委会。

Press Statements and Articles

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

17th March 2011

CFM MEDIA STATEMENT

Holy Scriptures Desecrated

The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.

Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.

However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words "by order of the Minister of Home Affairs".

This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.

The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the "goal posts" over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.

We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.

The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.

We also wholly reject the Government's contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.

As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.

We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.

We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.

We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.

Yours sincerely,

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Malaysia Cabinet has not decided on nuclear power plants project

(Source:TheStar news)
Thursday March 17,2011
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to construct nuclear power plants for electricity has not been decided yet by the Cabinet, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

The Malaysian Nuclear Power Corporation, tasked with setting up nuclear power plants, would be the best source of information as it received all reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency, he said yesterday.

“I think we have to wait for the report to be presented by the nuclear development agency under the Prime Minister’s Department,” he told reporters after unveiling a line of locally developed and manufactured electric scooters.

Chin announced plans to build two 1,000MW nuclear power plants in December last year, resulting in mixed reaction from the public.

One plant was expected to be ready by 2021, and the other a year later.

He did not answer further questions on whether the Government would still push for the construction of the two power plants in light of the damage to Japan’s four nuclear reactors from a massive earthquake which struck the country last Friday.

In Cyberjaya, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reiterated his stand against having a nuclear power plant in this country.

He noted that during his premiership, the Government had decided on four fuel strategies namely oil, gas, coal and hydro.

“We had bad experience already with nuclear. I don’t know whether people are aware about it,” Bernama quoted the former prime minister as saying yesterday.

Asked whether he would advise Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak not to have nuclear power plants, Dr Mahathir said: “I’m not an adviser. That is why I use my blog.”

In Klang, Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong suggested Malaysia focus more on solar energy.

“Malaysia is set to become the world’s number three producer of solar cells while we have zero production capacity for nuclear. The Federal Government must start incorporating logic into its energy planning policies,” she said in a statement.

Earth Hour evolves beyond the hour, beyond the light switch

Join everyone to save The Earth at beyond the hour,thank you

This I will do on Sat 26 March 2011 between 0830PM-0930PM

http://www.beyondthehour.org/#/Act/77187/ 

what about you?

( Sources: Earthhour official website & Earthhourblog )

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March. This Earth Hour, go beyond the hour with a commitment to a positive action for the planet and celebrate that commitment with the people of the world by switching off your lights for Earth Hour 2011.

From its inception as a single-city initiative – Sydney, Australia - in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global symbol of hope and movement for change. Earth Hour 2010 created history as the world’s largest ever voluntary action with people, businesses and governments in 128 countries across every continent coming together to celebrate an unambiguous commitment to the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

Sign up to earthhour.org, switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2011, and share the positive actions you will sustain for earth beyond the hour.

Connect with Earth Hour
Twitter: http://twitter.com/earthhour
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/earthhour
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/earthhour
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthhour_global
__________________________________________________

Earth Hour evolves beyond the hour, beyond the light switch

High profile and individual actions across the globe unveiled at global launch of 'Beyond the Hour'.

Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley, today announced a series of high profile and individual environmental actions, and a new dynamic online platform, to mark the global launch for Earth Hour, Beyond the Hour.

Beyond the Hour marks the start of a new phase for the Earth Hour movement. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world took part in Earth Hour, but switching off the lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

Jim Leape, Director General of WWF, who addressed media at the launch said: “The challenges that face our planet are immense, but never underestimate the possibility for change when we face these challenges with true common purpose. Hundreds of millions of people around the globe have given us a glimpse of what is possible. It is now time to go beyond the hour and show what can be done - by the people for the planet."

(WWF Director General Jim Leape with Pocoyo and a WWF Panda - image courtesy of Michelle Corsi)

An online platform http://www.beyondthehour.org/ that captures and allows individuals, governments and organisations across the globe to share their actions, will act as the tool to showcase and inspire commitments to protect the one thing we all have in common – the planet.

“The Beyond the Hour platform has been built with social media at its core,” Ridley said. “Social media will play a crucial role for Earth Hour 2011, allowing us to connect with millions of people who are committed to taking lasting action for the planet.” 

The platform, created with Leo Burnett, is translated into 11 languages, and integrated with most major social networks including: Facebook, Twitter, Mixi, Myspace, Odnoklassniki, Cloob, Orkut, Qzone, RenRen, Vkontakte, Maktoob, Skyrock, Xing, and Zing. Over 1,000 actions have already been shared on the dynamic online platform.

“Everyone has the power to make change: a CEO can change an organisation, a 7-year-old can change a classroom, and a president can change a country. What we are announcing today is just the beginning,” Ridley said. “It is through the collective action of individuals and organisations that we will be able to truly make a difference, which is why we are urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.”

Actions announced at today’s global launch included the following high-profile and individual commitments:

The Government of Nepal has made a commitment to put a complete stop to tree-felling in the Churiya Range, a vital ecological and sociological forest area spanning around 6,500 sq km.

Pocoyo, an animated TV series, will reach out to its millions of preschool-aged fans across the globe over the next year, fostering “Learning through Laughter,” utilising humour and learning to inform children about environmental issues.

Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland, was inspired to take action in 2010 when he realised his town did not participate in Earth Hour. He started a group at his High School called Green Enviro to educate people about climate change, and this year will single-handedly make Earth Hour a reality in his town of Shimunye, Swaziland.

Mengniu Dairy (Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Co., Ltd.): the Chinese dairy company is doubling the number of milk cartons it recycles and increasing its use of FSC-certified packaging.

Li Bingbing, the Chinese acting/singing sensation, has committed to being vegetarian for 100 days this year, in order to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions caused in the cycle of meat production and consumption.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP, has committed to: another six separated cycleways, installing LED lights in parks and streets, and endorsing a tri-generation plant to provide low carbon energy.

Chloe Nicol, a 7-year-old girl from Australia, is guiding her school to increase recycling and reduce energy waste. The school now also shuts their blinds instead of using air-conditioning to cool the rooms.

Parrys Raines, a 15-year-old Australian girl, has convinced her school to install water filling stations and provide each student and teacher with a reusable stainless steel drinking bottle to reduce plastic bottle waste.

CB Richard Ellis is going beyond the hour in 2011 by aiming to exceed their previous year’s record of more than 254 million square feet of real estate participating in Earth Hour, as well as making available events and activities for employee participation each month (Earth Hour, Earth Day, Green Building Day, Climate Week etc.)

Credit Suisse AG became carbon neutral in 2010 through its global 'Credit Suisse Cares for Climate' initiative. This year, as well as sponsoring Earth Hour Singapore, Credit Suisse will continue to go 'Beyond the Hour' by sending staff to a Brazilian forest reserve to support field research into the effects of climate change.

Power98FM will ensure all lights, computers and equipment will be switched off in studios when not in use, and continue to actively support WWF initiatives.

Singaporean pop duo Jack and Rai: Jack has switched to a more efficient air-conditioning system, and committed to setting the temperature at 24 degrees Celsius. Rai will watch less TV, play less video games, and play more acoustic guitar to reduce his energy usage.

Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore has committed to replacing the light bulbs in all of its 504 guest rooms to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Wasim Akram (Pakistan cricket legend) has made a personal commitment to stop using plastic bags, to recycle and reuse, and to use his high profile to promote and encourage the same behaviour throughout Pakistan and the rest of the world.