Iakatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) must learn to find peace within themselves before their enmity enfolds in other segments of society

As Christmas approaches in just three days’ time, and as Malaysians and the world prepare to usher in the brand new year 2015, the majority of people only have festive greetings and goodwill to extend to one another.

Unfortunately, there remains a minority segment in our Malaysian society who represent nothing better than the ugly, bigoted Malaysian seeking to reap hatred and enmity during the season of Christmas.

MCA Youth does not seek to engage in any form of theological debates between the contents and interpretations of sacred texts of Islam and Christianity which Ismahas referred to, however we do take exception to Isma activist Abu Ameen’s remarks that “it is important for Christians to respect our right not to celebrate or wish them accordingly”.

MCA Youth doubts if any Christian or non-Muslim is so desperately hard-up in need of a festive greeting from Isma.

We can all carry on our daily lives without having to wait in anxiety merely to hear or receive a festive greeting from Isma whose rhetoric is absurd and out of mind.

Isma’s enjoinder of “respecting our rights” suggests they have a siege mentality like as if they view the Christian or non-Muslim community already stepping on the toes of ISMA or Muslims which is not the case.

Please restrain your mind from non-existent imaginative enemies.

Nevertheless, MCA Youth implores Isma to read an article authored by the Sultanah of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah, published in her 'Mind Matters' column in The Star in 2012 where she penned:

“If Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Isa (Jesus), a prophet respected and revered in Islam, is it so wrong to wish a blessed day for those who celebrate it?”

During the days before Christmas last year, I wished my friends who were celebrating it “Merry Christmas” in much the same way they would wish me “Selamat Hari Raya” or “Happy Eid”.

I find it rather sad that such a simple greeting – one which I grew up with and which I have never regarded as something that would compromise or de-value my own faith – is now regarded as something so religiously incorrect for us Malaysian Muslims.

If Isma has any iota of partaking in the 1Malaysia spirit, Isma should refer to our Prime Minister Najib Abdul RAzak’s annual Christmas message where our Premiere expresses his hopes for happiness and love for all.

Shalom, Isma.

Nevertheless, MCA Youth does not believe in retaliatory measures against Isma or any of their followers by childishly withholding any greetings of welcoming the new year. We still convey to Isma our blessings for peace not only for Christmas but everyday.

Shalom, salam, Isma. May you find peace within yourselves and be freed from the shackles of bitterness, racist bigotry, prejudice that is gradually creeping all over whatever shred of goodness that might be left within you.

Shalom, salam.

CHONG SIN WOON is MCA Youth chief.