Najib: Govt has done a lot to engage Christian community

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged Malaysian Christians to join in the journey of change and renewal for a better Malaysia.

Speaking at a Christmas reception organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia, Najib said he understood that the community might have felt despondent at times, feeling that not enough was done by the Government to engage them.

“But I must in good conscience state that we have in fact achieved quite a lot through subtle engagement away from the glare of publicity and the latest decision to lift restrictions on Christians to carry out pilgrimage in Jerusalem is one of the results.

“This is the inclusivity that I am seeking because I believe there is a place for all of us under the Malaysian sun.

Najib chatting with his hosts (from left) Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam, Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Bishop Phillip Lok and National Evangelical Christian Fellowship chairman Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng at the Lutheran centre in Petaling Jaya.

 

"This country is large enough for all our aspirations and we must work together to make this a reality. 

“I am also here today to once again offer the hand of friendship of the government, to embrace the Christian community and share your goodwill,” he told the gathering which was hosted by the Lutheran Church in Malaysia.

Several DAP leaders led by secretary-general Lim Guan Eng also attended the reception.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Christian community, adding that they should not feel that they have been forgotten.

“The countless personal interactions I have had with church leaders show that I have not forgotten the Christian community as some had alleged, in fact, every community, be it ethnic or religious, is important to my government and I because we cannot exclude anybody,” he said.

Najib stressed the need for dialogue and discussions and continuing to engage with one another constructively, noting that for the past three years, a permanent dialogue mechanism in the Committee on Promoting Harmony and Understanding Amongst Religious Adherent had been in put in place for the purpose.




 (Source: The Star Online)