Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
September–October 2010
PP5872/11/2010 (025928)
NECF
A bi-monthly
publication of the
National Evangelical
Christian Fellowship
Malaysia
Partner
Editorial
Power
H istory is the story of God assemble a dozen followers (who Of late, there have been many
giving away power for were no less flawed), to whom He issues of public life and concerns
the good of mankind. handed the keys of the kingdom of that require our attention and action.
After entrusting the human species God. We are “God’s fellow workers” Such issues cannot be handled
with the gift of free choice, God to collaborate with His actions in by one single organisation or by
invited His representatives to act as the world. As God’s co-workers, we churches alone. They need the input
partners, even to argue and wrestle need one another to do His work and counsel of the entire Christian
with the One who created them. effectively. Indeed, there is truth community.
Yet, virtually everyone God in the saying “There is strength in For example, the implications
picked to lead a new venture – numbers.” arising from the ‘Allah’ issue affect
Adam, Abraham, Moses, David – Likewise, NECF Malaysia as a all facets of church life and require
proved disappointing in part. But national body does not work alone. wise counsel and wisdom for the
it seems that God has committed It desires to serve the Christian appropriate response.
to work with human partners no community and the nation through Then, there is the issue of school
matter how inept they are. the local churches. This is a lofty principals closing down non-Muslim
In the New Testament, Jesus task which requires the partnership
stayed on earth long enough to of local churches. Continued on pg 3...
N
ECF Malaysia Secretary-General Sam Ang (right)
handing over a cheque for US$10,000 to Crisis Relief
Services and Training (Crest) Executive Director Lana
Wong for Pakistan flood victims. CREST will use the money,
which comes from the
NECF Emergency Relief Inside this Issue
Fund, to buy food and
medical supplies, and Chairman: Mene, Mene, Tekel, 2
cooking equipment for Upharsin
the victims in Khyber
Do NOT register with ROS 3
Pasthunkwa region.
The floods, the worst Change religion data in MyKad 5
in Pakistan in 35 years, The ‘Allah’ Journey in Malaysia 6
have killed thousands of
7
people, devastated over MCCBCHST to Govt – “Be Fair”
three million people’s Change Not Impossible 8
lives and destroyed vast 1 United Church... 10
areas of crops.
Strong Family, Stable Nation 12
Rascist Remarks Condemned 13
www.necf.org.my/html/berita_f.htm
NECF Malaysia Council
Chairman
Rev. Eu Hong Seng Chairman’s Message
Vice-Chairman
Elder Kong Yeng Phooi
Mene, Mene,
Honorary Secretary
Pr Tay Wah Seng
Honorary Treasurer By Rev. Eu Hong Seng
Dr Khoo Kay Hup
Committee Members
Pr Jerry Dusing
Rev. Ng Kok Kee
Rev. Dexter Low
Miss Ee Joo Lian
Tekel, Upharsin
F
Elder Thomas Lim
Rev. Peter Mutang ew are familiar with these words, the powerful and the weak, kings and
Pr Chan Theam Lai even Christians. paupers alike, forget that though we
Rev. Foo Moy Peng forget God, He does not forget.
Rev. Elisha Satvinder But these words will one day haunt
Rev. Simon Chandran every careless soul, every self-centred, To the individual who persistently
Pr Samuel Surendran Krishnan
Advisor godless church, every vile authority sins, the day of reckoning will come.
Rev. Tan Sri Prince Guneratnam and every wicked nation. To the church who ignores the Word,
defiles herself and has no time to
NECF Malaysia Staff These mysterious words were the be missional, the lampstand will be
Secretary-General famous “writing on the wall” found removed. To the nation who thrives
Sam Ang
Senior Executive Secretary in Daniel chapter 5. Belshazzar the on unrighteousness, injustice, and
Patrick Cheng impious king was carousing with his robs the poor – floods, earthquakes,
Executive Secretaries concubines and debauched guests, fires and both economic and natural
Daniel Loh (Tamil) thumbing their nose at the God of disasters will be the norm.
Kathryn Tan (Finance) Israel, defiling the golden vessels of
Eugene Yapp (Research)
Alfred Tais (Bahasa Malaysia) the Temple, revelling into the wee That night in BC 539, knees were
Larry Lee (Youth and Leadership hours of the morning when all of a shaking. The Babylonian wise men
Development) sudden, the writing appeared on the could provide no answers. Despite
Andy Chi (Prayer, Evangelism and wall. the sobriety in atmosphere and the
Discipleship) willingness to seek counsel from the
Ong Juat Heng (Communications)
Jeff Chok (Information Technology) These words mean “God has num- man of God (Daniel), nothing could
Confidential Secretary bered your days,” “you have been change the course of history. It was
Ching Bee Gaik weighed and found wanting,” and not merely any writing on the wall – it
Administrative Secretaries “your kingdom is divided between the was the writing written by the very
Alice Wong Medes and the Persians.” finger of God.
Yvonne Chin
Leong Kit Wah
Sangan Mutang The all-powerful king had no inkling Materialism, kickbacks and perks
Administrative Assistants that his kingdom could end in less have desensitised many good
Sally Tan than 24 hours, well not at least people while compromise and the
Jouslly Buaya without a fight. In his overconfidence unwillingness to be discipled have
Executive Advisor
Rev. Wong Kim Kong, j.m.n. he forgot his humanity and definitely caused many churches to lose sight
the God his forefathers had encoun- of her missionality. On the national
Editorial tered. front, corruption and wastage remain
Editor unashamedly unabated.
Sam Ang “The writing is on the wall” is today
Assistant Editor
Ong Juat Heng a common English phrase. As it Know that the God who is in control
happened to the most powerful man of the universe, is not content to just
Address alive then, it can and it will happen keep spinning the planet. He is still
32, Jalan SS2/103, to any who dares mock and fearlessly capable of writing on the wall - and
47300 Petaling Jaya challenge our God. That fateful it could well be your wall, my wall or
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 603-7727 8227 night spelt the end of the Babylonian our nation’s wall.
Fax: 603-7729 1139 empire, proving once again that no
Email: berita@necf.org,my regime is exempt from divine dealings. It would pay for us to take note, as the
days will surely come when we would
Printed by Akitiara Corporation
1&3, Jln TPP1/3, All too often, the rich and the poor, hear our “mene, mene!”
Tmn Perindustrian Puchong
Batu 12, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
2 Berita NECF September–October 2010
Do NOT Register with ROS
T he Registrar of Societies (ROS)
has clarified at a meeting with
NECF Malaysia that churches
are not mandated to register with
it (ROS) as they have the right to
registered as societies first before they
could open a bank account.
Article 11(3)(a) of the Federal
Constitution clearly states that every
religious group has the right to establish
manage its own religious affairs.
This implies that these groups
cannot be compelled to form legal
associations as in doing so, they
subject themselves to many additional
exist under Article 11 of the Federal and maintain institutions for religious requirements.
Constitution. or charitable purposes. For example, by incorporating as
However, many churches are The word “institutions” must a company or registering as a society,
registering as societies to resolve necessarily include churches, temples religious groups make themselves
practical problems such as opening and the like. The very expression subject to all the requirements of the
bank accounts and holding properties. “religious group” used here already Companies Act 1965 and the Societies
“Properties can be held through a assumes that religious practice is often Act 1966.
company or trustee,” explained NECF a group experience. They are also subject to the authority
Malaysia Secretary-General Sam Ang. No conditions are found in Article of the Registrar of Companies and
“Hence, there is no need to become 11 or in the rest of the Constitution the ROS who may direct them to do
an ROS member just so you can hold that require a religious group to form certain acts or comply with certain
properties.” a legal association before it can be conditions.
As for the issue of opening bank regarded as lawful. Therefore, NECF’s stand is that
accounts, ROS informed NECF that On top of this, Article 11(3)(a) of churches do not need to be registered
it would seek clarification from Bank the Federal Constitution states that as societies.
Negara whether churches must be every religious group has the right to
...continued from front cover: Partner Power circulated throughout the world.
Such unethical and unaaceptable actions on the part of
religious bodies (Christian Fellowships, Buddhist societies, the Government highlight the unjust and biased position
etc.) at their whims and fancies, going against an earlier of the authorities against those who chose not to convert
circular from the Ministry of Education allowing to Islam.
the establishment of such bodies with It showed how state benefits that
certain provisos. are meant for the welfare of a
Dealing with such overzealous particular cultural community
civil servants will prove challen- have been manipulated for the
ging for us Christians as we strive selfish ends of some people.
to maintain our religious space. Again, moving against the tide
Will this issue be resolved once of such irregularities demands
and for all? Perhaps not, as there will concerted and united efforts from
always be “Little Napolean-Principals” churches and the relevant organisations.
trying to push their personal agenda. But that’s Predictably, the Malaysian Department of
why we need the national bodies to guard the interests of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) denied offering material
their charges. inducements for conversion to Islam, but even as they are
In early August, the Aljazeera broadcast channel busy denouncing the Aljazeera news, reports of similar
carried a news report on the Pahang Government’s effort enticements to the indigenous communities in Sabah and
to convert the Orang Asli (indigenous people) to Islam Sarawak were surfacing.
by offering housing, electricity and material goods. The These are only a few examples. There are so many more
report showed images of brick houses belonging to those issues that need to be addressed at the highest level and it
who had become Muslims and wooden, straw houses of takes collaborative effort to gather the resources and face
those who chose not to convert to Islam. An Orang Asli the challenges. The vitality of partnership and networking
man interviewed said he lost his native land to the state is crucial and our call is for churches to avail their resources
government upon conversion to Islam. and work with us over the many critical national issues.
The news report, entitled “Malaysia ethnic tribes ‘forced Will you contribute your resources for the sake of our
to convert’ ” was uploaded on YouTube which is being Church and our nation? Find out how on pages 10 to 11.
When people convert to Islam, their person’s MyKad “This is important as it will contribute towards accurate
will record the conversion and the front of their MyKad statistics which is critical when we advocate on issues
will bear the word “Islam”. affecting the Malaysian Church, as well as to avoid undue
complications, misunderstandings and conflicts with
Even if the person no longer practises Islam, he/she the Islamic authorities,” he explained.
may be regarded as as a Muslim and may be subject to
fined, whipped, detained or imprisoned for violation The officials also confirmed at the meeting that children
of Syariah laws, such as praying in church and eating in of Malaysian women born of
public during the Muslim fasting month, etc. foreign husbands are
automatically Malay- POSTAL RATE
It must be noted that when a person converts to Islam, sians provided the
As the postage has gone up
that person does not gain Bumiputera status as some have couples have Ma-
last month, please use 60-sen
mistakenly come to believe. (Those with Bumiputera laysian marriage
stamps in your correspondence to
status get special privileges such as discounts for new certificates before
us. We have been paying a heafty
house purchases and easier access to enter public the birth of their
fine to retrieve your letters
universities.) children.
from the Post Office.”
• 1629 uA. C. Ruyl translated the Gospel of Matthew publications to be distributed on condition that the
into Bahasa Melayu. ‘Allah’ is used. front page has a cross with the words “Penerbitan
Kristian” (A Christian Publication). This is to prevent
• 1733 uFirst complete Malay Bible published. Transla- confusion among Muslims in Malaysia.
tion of Genesis by M. Leijdecker. “Pada mulanja
dedjadikanlah Allah akan swarga dan dunja.” (Gen. 1:1). • 2006 uLetter from Kementerian Keselamatan Dalam
Negeri allowing the publication of the Bible in Bahasa
• 1879 uSecond complete Malay Bible. Translation of Melayu in Malaysia with the conditions that it is
by H. C. Klinkert. “Bahwa-sanja Allah djoega salamatkoe.” stamped with the cross and the words “Untuk Penganut
(Isaiah 12:2). Beragama Kristian” (For Christians) and that the BM
Bible is to be sold only in Christian premises or shops.
• 1938 uTranslation of Gospel of John. “Maka pada awal The is to prevent confusion of Muslims in Malaysia.
pertama adalah Firman, dan Firman itu bersama-sama dengan
Allah.” (John 1:1). • 2006 uThird letter to Herald (a reprimand). Fourth
letter to Herald (a warning). Fifth letter to Herald
• 1981 uThe Alkitab banned by order under the Internal (another warning).
Security (Prohibition of Publications) on Dec 2.
• 2006 uHome Minister sets condition against the use
• 1982 uThe Alkitab banned by order under the Internal of ‘Allah’ on Herald in renewing its publication licence.
Security (Prohibition of Publications) on March 22. Herald seeks redress through the courts against the
power of the Home Minister to set conditions on the
• 1985/1989 uHeads of Malaysian Churches meet in use of the ‘Allah’ word. Sixth letter to Herald (a show-
Kuala Lumpur (1985) and Kuching (1989) where they cause letter).
unanimously decide to keep ‘Allah’ and the Bible Society
of Malaysia honour this decision when it publishes the • 2007 uHerald files A Writ of Summons and Statement
revised Malay Bible, the Alkitab Berita Baik (1996). of Claim on Dec 5. An Application for Judicial Review
on the condition cited above.
• 1986 uCircular letter to all Christian publishers
from the Publication Control Division of the • 2008 – Customs officers and Home Ministry officials
Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) stating four detain the Alkitab at ports of entry and confiscate
words which are not allowed to be used in Christian publications, Sunday School children’s books and
publications: Allah, Kaabah, Baitullah and Solat. The CDs belonging to Sidang Injil Borneo and Jill Ireland
prohibition is to maintain public order and prevent any Lawrence Bill. Both parties initiate judicial appeals
misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians. against the Home Minister.
• 1998 uFirst letter (an admonition) to the Catholic • 2008 uAn Application for Judicial Review for Herald
weekly, Herald, from KDN not to use ‘Allah’. 2009 permit condition is filed.
• 2002 uSecond letter to Herald (a show-cause letter) • 2009, Dec 31 uHerald wins court case against the
to be answered within 14 days. Subsequently through power of the Home Minister to set conditions on the
appeal and Cabinet influence, Herald was granted the use of ‘Allah’ in the Herald publication. Government
use of ‘Allah’ in its publication. appeals the court decision.
• 2005 uLetter dated Dec 22 from Kementerian • Present uAwaiting Appeals Court to hear the case
Keselamatan Dalam Negeri allowing Christian
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“ In this era of globalisation, where inter-connectedness
and inter-relatedness are core essential characteristics,
the idea of partnerships is inevitable and it is imperative
for churches, organisations, NGOs and others to be open
to the possibilities of working together by venturing into
constructive partnerships.
B 11
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N rEi C
t aF NSEeCpFt e Smebpet e r –bOecr t 2o 0b1e0r 2 011
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S By Lee Wee Min
TRONG FAMILY
TABLE NATION
A
on peace and justice.
Johor secondary The time has passed
school principal’s “The nation needs just and fair whereby mere platitudes
racist remarks
against her non-Malay
actions rather than just words.” and words from the
national leadership and
students have roused a storm of of Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, enforcement authorities in themselves
protest and among the public. Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) will be enough. The nation needs just
Her case is being investigated by who immediately issued a statement and fair actions rather than just words.
the police and Education Ministry following the media reports. MCCBCHST calls for its
after over 50 parents and students MCCBCHST says: “In the light component religious communities
lodged reports againt the principal. of the latest, in an increasing line of and all other Malaysians, regardless
During her speech at her school’s provocative racist remarks, this time of ethnic or religious affiliation, to
Merdeka (National Day) celebration by a principal of a school in the state join together to pray that the sitting
on Aug 12, the principal had allegedly of Johor, MCCBCHST calls upon government will take responsibility to
described non-Malays as “penumpang” the authorities to take prompt and take appropriate action to stop blatant
(passengers) in the country and told the appropriate action to demonstrate racist acts and utterances.
Chinese students to study in a Chinese that such dastardly acts and words At the same time, let all peace-
school or go back to China. perpetrated by government servants, loving, fair-minded Malaysians join
She was also alleged to have said regardless of their rank, is not and will together to raise an unignorable chorus
the prayer strings Indian students tied not be tolerated in Malaysia. of disapproval against racism in all its
around their necks and wrists were The Johor school incident forms.
similar to dog leashes. occurring as it did in the run-up to
Joining the chorus of protests is the coming National Day celebrations LET US STOP RACISM BEFORE
the Malaysian Consultative Council casts a sombre shadow over the RACISM STOPS OUR NATION!”
JOB VACANCY
NECF Malaysia is looking for an
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY to
assist the Nation-Building and
Prayer ministries in the organisation.
Finally, a burial place for Shah Alam Christians.. From left To apply, contact Ching Bee Gaik
to right: Pn. Hjh Norakma (Pengarah Jabatan Penilaian MBSA), at the NECF office
Pr David Tham (SACF Chairman), Rev. Sean Prasad (SACF
Vice- Chairman), Dato’ Mazalan Md Noor (Shah Alam Mayor), (tel. 03-7727 8227).
MBSA officer, and Rev Fr. Raymond Pereira
T
his issue, we focus prayers on the 2 million migrants and refugees living in our midst, many of whom live in
destitute conditions with little to hope for. The contents are extracted from the prayer guide “Disappointed
By Hope” jointly produced by YWAM Penang and Raise Their Voice Against Injustice (Canada).
Sex Slaves Women from Burmese refugees As refugees and more churches
China, Vietnam and other Asian of Jan 2010, there are 79,284 refugees will step forward to support the
nations arrive in Malaysia with valid and asylum-seekers in Malaysia. UNHCR’s work in providing
work contracts, expecting to work as Of these, 73,287 are from Burma, vocational skills training such as
domestic workers, in factories or in comprising some 17,712 Rohingyas sewing and carpentry; and
the food industry. In some cases, they from the Northern Rakhine State. • The Government will recognise
discover that their agent has lied and The Rohingyas are particularly refugees registered with UNHCR
are forced into a life of prostitution vulnerable in Malaysia. Stateless for as genuine refugees.
that is difficult to escape. nearly three decades, the political junta
Crime syndicates boldly entrap revoked their citizenship in 1982. Refugee children
women and use loopholes in the Hundreds of thousands of According to a Suaram press statement
legal system to meet the demand for Rohingyas have left Burma, most of issued in Aug 2009, the total number of
prostitution. There are insufficient them seeking refuge in Bangladesh, detainees in Malaysia’s 13 Immigration
law enforcement resources to combat Thailand and Malaysia where they are. detention centres from 2004 to 2008
trafficking effectively. heavily taxed, denied the publication of was 235,397.
Women who have been rescued are literature, violently treated, subjected Of these, 3,675 were children –
kept in shelters while their cases are to forced labour. 2,652 boys and 1,023 girls. Detainees
investigated. Some victims want to go During their stay in Malaysia, often suffer from overcrowding, poor
home immediately. Others fear return many Rohingyas have been detained, nutrition, insufficient clothing and
because of reprisals by the gangsters deported, whipped and sold to inadequate access to health services.
who brought them to Malaysia or traffickers on the Thai border. Others Refugee children endure the
those who owned them while they regularly face arrest and extortion from trauma of being smuggled out of their
were here. irresponsible personnel in the police nations into their country of refuge
Once they are confirmed as victims, and RELA. only to endure long days of boredom,
the women must remain at the shelter Malaysia is one of the few countries punctuated by fear as they hide inside
for a minimum of three months. They in the world that has yet to sign the apartments.
are isolated with occasional visits 1951 Convention Relating to the Status • Malaysia has ratified
from social workers. There are few of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol and P R A Y the Convention of the
programs or resources available to therefore, does not offer Burmese Rights of the Child.
keep the women occupied. Many battle refugees protection or legal status Pray the Government will uphold
boredom, fear and depression. while in the country. its obligation to protect all children,
• For the release of P R A Y • The government including the migrant, asylum-
P R A Y the many women who will ratify the 1951 seeking and refugee children;
are “kidnapped” into Convention and 1967 Protocol and • For His comfort on those children
prostitution; work together with local NGOs presently in Immigration detention
• For more women counselors to be to provide aid to the Burmese centres or separated from parents
trained to minister to these women refugees; who are detained in these facilities;
rescued from trafficking; and • The government will allow the and
• For improved cooperation among Burmese refugees here to work so • God to protect the refugee children
the Malaysian police and local they can have a better life; left alone all day and for more
NGOs to help the trafficked women • For awareness among Malaysian churches to step forward to minister
and for increase in resources for Christians on the plight of the to the children by starting day-care
the police Anti-Trafficking Unit. Rohingyas and other Burmese centres, schools and crèches.