A truly religious person from any religious persuasion is subservient to the Almighty and will not uphold falsehood, blatant lies, fabrication, political spins, half truths to mislead and distort, even if he is under pressure by any political or other forces who has a political agenda.

And this is why Selangor executive councillor Hasan Ali who holds the Islamic religion portfolio must not attempt to sidetrack matters by offering to resign, giving the impression that he is a victim of a political conspiracy.

This is far from the truth!

The pertinent question that needs to be answered is, were Christians at that Methodist Church in Damansara trying to proselytize Muslims at a church function last week that was disrupted by Jais, and defended by Hasan Ali who claimed that Jais had evidence?

Hasan then has to show the proof! If not Malaysian Christians who have being in the forefront of many a malicious attack in recent months deserve an unconditional apology.

Hasan is now given the opportunity to reveal all since a very serious allegation has been made against a minority group that has been the target of a lot of unsubstantiated stories lately.

If there is clear and unmistakable evidence then go ahead, file charges against those responsible and let us the trial of the century and get to the truth.

If not, stop the innuendos, the lies, the fabrication, the stereotyping and profiling and stop flogging this dead horse. Stop the Christian bashing!

I am now certain even if Hasan Ali somehow clears the air that there was a mistake, politely put a ‘communication error’, irreparable damage has been done. And it will cost valuable votes when GE 13 is called.

This is because stories that mainstream media makes up as they go along has hurt the Christian community and others who care for justice and fair play.

One such mischievous and baseless article by a columnist in New Straits Times with a new twist to the plot went as follows: “Apparently, some people have been monitoring visitors frequenting the church for a period of time and believed that proselytisation was going on. Hence, the raid by Jais.”

This is a blatant lie and a new twist since my sources in law and enforcement agencies know nothing of these allegations and they are usually the well respected ‘front liners’ equipped to look into such allegations.

Then the boneless animal continues: “Whether or not there is proselytisation, what is important now is for an immediate investigation into the matter. Any delay to get to the bottom of the matter will only invite unnecessary attention and potential trouble.”

Then after the damage is done, he pretends to be a true professional in being fair by qualifying: “Meanwhile, it would be wise for everyone not to speculate but to allow the authorities to complete their probe fully and quickly.”

And worst of all, Christians are now being accused of ‘buying converts’ by covert operations related to charity.

We cannot run away from historical fact that charity and self sacrifice have been the hallmarks of Christianity throughout the ages unlike others groups within certain communities whose social concerns are confined to one’s own community or for ‘political posturing’ for a community thousands of miles away in West Asia.

Christian missionaries were in this country for over 200 years carrying out social work through schools and hospitals, and there was no compulsion for people to convert. Otherwise, many of those who attended missions schools would have become Christians.

Why not for starters check with those who have studied at St John’s Institution? Perhaps we can interview premier Najib Tun Razak as well as others who went through mission schools and today serve the nation with distinction!

Perhaps, it is time we closed our missionary schools, kindergartens and informed foreign Christian aid missions and organisations to instead divert valuable professional and financial aid to other geographical areas throughout other parts of the world more in need and where Christians will not be stereotyped, profiled and criminalised.

With this kind of biased reporting, racist politicking, the ‘ganging up’ against a minority group, the verbal twists and turns, and continued unsubstantiated claims, one cannot but wonder whether Malaysian Christians will ever get a fair unbiased hearing.

Jacob George is president of Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor (CASSA)