My name is Philip See. I am a practising Catholic and I do not take my faith for granted. Despite the many challenges secular life throws, I have always found solace in the gentle embrace of God as my anchor.

My Catholic faith serves as my compass in the multiple roles I play in my life: son, brother, friend, teacher, colleague, employee.

As an employee, I currently work in Pemandu (Performance Management and Delivery Unit) under Idris Jala and feel that in light of the recent issue regarding our Bibles, I would like to share my personal perspective since I have the opportunity to experience both vantage points.

Firstly, this note isn't a factual discourse of the issue. I admit that I am not fully versed in the history behind this issue.

I understand that, as a Christian, it is difficult to discuss the stamping and serialising of a set of Bibles in isolation without discussing the other points of contention relating to our freedom to worship.

The challenges and struggles the Church has cannot be ignored.

As a parishioner of Assumption Church, I recall the horrifying moment when I heard news that thugs threw firebombs in my parish last January.

It is difficult not to feel any anger or hurt. It is difficult to forgive.

However, I agree with the 10-point plan proposed on the April 3rd. We are allowed to continue importing bibles and the stamp of ‘Christian Publication' is a marked improvement from the initial ‘for Christians only' stamp.

We are now allowed to print locally. The existing 30,000 Bibles can be collected by the importers for free and there is no prohibition or restriction in carrying Bibles between East and West Malaysia.

Clear consequence management has been laid out in the event Government officers fail to comply. I agree with the proposal because my ability to freely praise and worship has not been restricted further. Simply put, it is a step in the right direction.

Yes there are still many unresolved issues. For instance, restrictions on the use of selected words, the display/use of religious symbols and the construction of places of worship are among the many outstanding items.

All these issues restrict our freedom to worship.

But if we keep lumping these issues together, we will never make progress.

My view is that it is important for us to tackle it issue by issue, deconstructing it instead of attempting to find the perfect all-encompassing solution.

That is why we need to have a constant line of communication not only between Christian ministers, the various Christian groups and the Opposition, to seek resolution. After all, our faith must transcend politics, either Government or Opposition.

That is why I will also be joining the Saturday Vigil at St. Francis Xavier's Church to pray for our country and leaders. I will continue to pray for our country and leaders. I will pray for the resolution of these outstanding issues.

I will pray that all Catholics will hold firm to its truths reminded by Archbishop's call that ‘what we cannot do, God can do for us'.

I will pray that each Malaysian moves from tolerance to acceptance to ultimately celebrating and embracing our diverse faiths and beliefs.

In a democracy, we must support our federal, state and local leaders through constructive debate and dialogue.

Each of us must look beyond the hurt and the pain of the past but to live in the present and find solutions that allow us to deliver God's promise with love, compassion and humility.

While we know that we need to move beyond non-violence, our hearts and minds must be at peace as well.

We cannot enter into a discussion feeling we are second class citizens or victims of an existing process. We must enter as equals and be part of the process. That is why I joined Pemandu.

On another personal note, as an avid blog reader, I am particularly saddened by the level of animosity and hatred out there directed at Idris.

Whilst I know Idris, on a more personal level, to be an incredibly compassionate and God-fearing individual, the fundamental aspect of our faith calls us not to judge and condemn others.

Therefore we must reject this hatred. Matthew 7:12 says ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you'.

As we navigate through this very difficult and trying time where our faith is constantly challenged, the simplest question we should ask before we respond is ‘What would Jesus do?'

 

 

PHILIP SEE IS Senior Manager, Project Management Team, Pemandu.