YOURSAY ‘Banquet for 1,200 at 5-star hotel, PM attending, its motives mystify.’
We're non-partisan, says leader of Christian group
Lamborghini: Christians for Peace and Harmony in Malaysia (CPHM) chairperson Rev Wong Kim Kong, it seems to me you’re trying very hard to be politically correct and politically connected and getting a lot of publicity, which you have already achieved handsomely through the publicity you have received so far.
But as a fellow Christian, let me remind you that while the Scriptures do teach about loving our enemies, it also teaches us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves in dealing with people of the world.
In my humble opinion, and giving you the benefit of my doubts, you are innocent as a dove (translated as naive) but you are certainly not wise in several ways.
First, in inviting Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa, you are playing into their hands, meaning that an extremist group begins to look good by mingling with a Christian group of peace and harmony.
Secondly in inviting the PM who has largely been silent on many issues concerning Christians, it also shows you are already partisan. Thirdly, the event is held in a five-star hotel. It looks like you are a very well-funded pastor.
CQ Muar: Rev Wong, with due respect, we've never met and neither have I heard of you until I read about your banquet in Malaysiakini .
It's both puzzling and mystifying that a non-political religious group should initiate such a dinner, inviting mainly political figures, despite your claim it's non-partisan.
Inviting a person of such stature such as Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak as guest-of-honour itself raises doubts over your claim, considering those heinous allegations shrouding his past. Having said that, we sincerely hope there's no hidden agenda.
Last but not least, please ensure the group is free of propaganda, and that your name remains as Rev Wong, short of those earthly prefixes such as datuk sri or tan sri, subsequently added to your name. God be our witness.
Ferdtan: How convenient to jump start a new movement, ironically a Christian one, to have an extravagant feast befitting a king, truly Najib’s style, who ‘incidentally’ was the guest of honour at the function in a five-star hotel.
What is the motive for the group's chairperson, Rev Wong, to form a new Christian group when there are many such larger groups well-represented and have track records in addressing Christian issues?
The answer is very clear isn’t it, given the current political scenario? It is clear to all, that Najib is doing what he did to Hindraf chairman P Waythamoorthy, who joined the government. He left his cabinet post in frustration when he realised he was played out.
The ‘divide and rule’ way to break groupings which are strong and united is an old and tested political manouevre to make them compliant. In history we always have opportunist renegades, even among clergy, taking such despicable paths.
In the Bible we have Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 apostles, giving his infamous kiss of betrayal. Even before Rev Wong begins his ‘love and harmony’ journey, he apparently has conceded one crucial issue which angered all Christians, the Allah issue, by dropping it as a major concern.
Will Najib use this single CPHM group’s nod as overall agreement by Christians not to pursue the controversial ‘Allah’ case?
Bamboo: Rev Wong, if despite the bullying acts of the government confiscating bibles, taking down of cross at Taman Medan, the ban of use of 'Allah', you can still shake the hand of the premier who does nothing, thus condoning the acts, then you are betraying the Christians.
Do you want to follow the path of the Hindraf head Waythamoorthy and realise you have been conned by this ‘promises breaking’ premier later?
Apa Ini?: It's a shame that all that energy and money was spent on a banquet in a five-star hotel, no less.
Can't people be attracted to the central idea of greater peace and harmony from a simple exchange of ideas through discussion and debate on a regular basis, with drinks and snacks during the break?
They say one thinks better on an empty stomach. It's the spirit that counts after all, not a free meal, and certainly not a banquet.
Pisasu 7: Tomorrow, I will form another denomination that will fight for all the shophouse Christian worshippers and invite the deputy prime minister to a stupendous feast at the Pavilion, while the homeless are given bread and water.
Greed for power among the clergy is the downfall for most religions.
Prudent: Quote: “...CPHM does not aim to fulfill their spiritual needs”. This says it all. Therefore Wong Kim Kong (in Chinese 'Kim Kong' means 'light of gold'), please do not call your group 'Christian'.
You are deliberately, deceptively and publicly abusing Jesus Christ's name in vain for which there will be negative spiritual consequences for you and your descendants to the third and fourth generations.
This warning is repeated many times in the Bible (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 5:9; Numbers 14:18). And if you think that the verses are out of context, let me remind you that in doing as reported in the article above, you are bowing to the powers-that-be, who represent the equally shameful idols of gold and silver.
And in renouncing your calling to serve the spiritual needs of all through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are showing whom you are really serving and who your real master is. For you and your descendants' sake, I hope I am wrong.
Kheng: Rev Wong, before you show your sincerity, you are already acting and talking like a politician. Why hold the banquet at a posh five-star hotel?
You could have used the proceeds for more needful purposes instead of spending it on a banquet. Aren't we Christians supposed to be humble?
Bystander: Rev Wong has lost his credibility by inviting the PM at this time when there is a big dark cloud over his head regarding the massive loss of the country's monies in the much-publicised 1MDB fiasco.
Has Rev Wong come in for damage control?
Negarawan: "For example, he (Wong) said, CPHM would not take up the Allah issue."
This says it all about the integrity and sincerity of this group. Having an expensive banquet in a five-star hotel does not reflect on the Christian principle of humility.
The bulk of the money (whatever the source is) could have been channeled to the needy. Jesus will understand, perhaps not Rev Wong.
CHPM seems to be set up as an Umno apologist and to placate Christian voters in Sabah and Sarawak.
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