KUALA LUMPUR — Archbishop Julian Leow has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) for 2019-2021 during the Biennial General Conference on April 23.
In his opening address Archbishop Leow highlighted that after 61 years of being governed by the same administration, we are now in a new era with a new government. Changing the government that has been in power since Independence was something many people did not expect to happen.
Certainly, it is a breath of fresh air and the dawn of a renewed hope. Archbishop said that on our part, as Christians, we too have a supporting role in nation building `and we too have a shared vision of the future
His Grace added that we must be the voice of conscience – the voice that will constantly remind the government of their promise to uphold religious freedom, to engage in constant dialogue with all religious leaders and to protect the interest of mission schools, which remain an important element of education and nation building.
We must remind those in power of their assurance to work with the whole spectrum of Malaysian society to contribute to mutual respect and goodwill among all racial communities and religions in our country.
He emphasised that Christian leaders are the perfect partners who can open the doors for dialogue and engagement with Muslims, bring down the walls that divide us, and be the bridge-builders and peacemakers across conflict and divisions in our country.
He then gave some examples of this:
November 14, 2018: For the first time CFM had the opportunity to meet the Rulers’ Council and provided our feedback on our role and function. Among the topics discussed was schools being a unifying force of unity for Malaysians, the ‘silo-mentality’ of the communities, and on the constitutional freedom granted to the religions to manage their own affairs.
November 28, 2018: The CFM together with MCCBCHST (Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism) members visited the fire-fighter Muhammad Adib Mohd. Kassim in IJN Hospital. Fire-fighter Adib was seriously injured in the vicinity of the Hindu Temple in Seafield, Subang Jaya. Sadly, fire-fighter Muhammad Adib succumbed to his injuries and died on December 17, 2018.
January 11, 2019: The MCCBCHST met the Honourable Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed to discuss religious issues in Malaysia. Archbishop Leow said the Prime Minister affirmed that the PH government would be inclusive and would be guided by the Federal Constitution and the Rule of Law.
March 23, 2019: The CFM together with the religious leaders from MCCBCHST, joined the Minister for Islam, YB Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusuf Rawa, in a march for peace (Solidarity 4 Peace) from Sogo to Dataran Merdeka. There, Archbishop Leow gave a short speech highlighting the need for peace among people of faith in Malaysia.
After his speech, the meeting continuned with reports from the Secretary and Treasurer followed by the appointment of Auditors.
The new CFM Executive Committee members for 2019-2021 were then presented.
Archbishop Leow quoted Pope Francis, “Building a nation calls us to recognise that we must constantly relate to others, rejecting a mind-set of hostility in order to adopt one of reciprocal subsidiarity, in a constant effort to do our best.”
The meeting closed with a prayer and adjourned to a fellowship dinner from 6 to 8.00pm.
Francis Magimay HERALD
