your say 'A novel for reading pleasure and written with distorted facts resulting in insults to others is simply not suitable to be a school text.'

Interlok: Bishop calls for wisdom of sensitivities

Lusiapa: At long last comes a no-nonsense and courageous leader to lead the Catholics of Malaysia (and all other Christians as well) at these turbulent times in the nation's history.

Bishop Dr Paul Tan of the Johor-Melaka Diocese is most qualified to speak on this divisive issue by virtue of his impeccable credentials both as a scholar and a theologian.

His commentary, scathing though it may sound, must be taken seriously by the government as a first step towards a meaningful reconciliation. The psychological punishment inflicted on a minority group after the last general elections has not escaped the eyes of reasonable Malaysians of all races. This must be urgently addressed.

Kim Quek: It is important to note that the bishop's criticism is not so much directed at the book as a piece of literary work per se, as it is used as an instrument (in the form of a textbook) to educate our youth.

In a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural society like ours, a book that humiliates one race, with much distortion of historical and sociological truth to boot, should never have been included in the curriculum of our schools, much less as teaching material for Form 5 school leavers.

That it has been done is a reflection of the propensity of our educators to indulge in the perpetration of racist ideology, as rightly pointed out by the bishop. In analysing the facts rationally and expounding the moral principles courageously, Bishop Tan has set an admirable example for other religious leaders - that they must not only look after the spiritual needs of their flocks, but must also raise their gaze over national issues and speak out promptly and boldly.

Anonymous_40dd: Wisdom, that is exactly what is lacking among our 'leaders'. A novel for reading pleasure and written with distorted facts resulting in insults to others is simply not suitable to be a schooltext.

Ben_403f: In our country, where power struggle is concerned, there is no such a thing as "wisdom of sensitivities". In the Tenang by-election, MCA chief Chua Soi Lek has asked "what's so great" about knowing Islamic values? His Umno masters dared not even censor him.

http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154349

In the same tone, others can say, "what's so great of knowing Christian values?"; "what's so great of knowing Hindu values?" and "what's so great of knowing Buddhist values?" Chua, why didn't you also say, "what's so great about sleeping with other women?'

Cocomomo: Words of wisdom and moderation from Bishop Tan. Leaders of HRP/Hindraf and other religious and non-religious organisation have much to learn as to how to communicate effectively.

Making unworthy noise and demonstrations do not achieve much - though the right to properly express one's opinion is fundamental to human society. Religious leaders should not attack other religions as a means of preaching to their followers.

Attacking another religion shows weakness and doubt on the part of the attacking party. If you really have faith in what you believe, you do not fear others and you will not find it necessary to attack others.

Anonymous_3e06: Well done, Bishop Tan. It needs a man of God to expound this kind of wisdom.

Kgen: Despite all the protests regarding ‘Interlok', why is the Education Ministry stubbornly adhering to its contentious choice? Is there no other less controversial novel worthy of selection? The ministry's stand appear to send a message to Indians that they are voiceless and powerless and their protest can be disregarded.

KJ John: I totally agree with Bishop Tan. These are the wisest word on the subject to date. The book is a work of art nonetheless, but in the light of current political realities, it appears not to do justice to the "feelings of being marginalised" by sections of the Malaysian community. It cannot be seen only as literature for one student to comprehend but a slight on one ethnic community of Malaysia.

Pants on Fire: Dear Bishop Tan, on behalf of the Indian Malaysian community, you have our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for recognising us as human beings. Even the MIC has failed to treat us like one.

And to all the Indians who support BN and Umno, shame on you all for endorsing their message that we are all low-level human beings. Please realise they only want our votes. Teach them a lesson.

Tan Kim Keong: Pure words of wisdom from the bishop. PM Najib Razak must step in now to override the decision of the DPM. Frankly, I don't think the DPM has the ability to objectively and sincerely evaluate the issues and the repercussions regarding ‘Interlok' as a literary textbook for our school children.

The impediment for the DPM as I see it is simply the case of putting one's race, religion and culture above others. It's the absence of goodness in short.

An Old Malaysian: For whatever reasons, Umno and Perkasa are so damn insistent on having this particular book pushed through. Why? I hope this issue will be a turning point for all the Indian Malaysians to think carefully before they vote in all coming elections.

Bertrand Russell: As an Indian I thank Bishop Tan for his sincere comments on the ‘Interlok' novel. On the other hand, we have a DPM who thinks that the majority of the Indian community supports him on the issue.

Our sympathies goes to Hindraf and we pray for the well-being of the 59 leaders and supporters of the party who have arrested by the police.

We hope Tok Guru Nik Aziz will speak out for the Indians too. (Quote: "A hypocrite will say anything whatsoever to win a dispute, as he wants to win at all costs and doesn't care whether it is true or false." My due respects to Dr Mohd Sani Badron).

Dark Knight: Bishop Tan, you seem to be the only one among Interlok's vehement critics who have hit the nail on its head. The real message of the book is subliminal, and that is to deprecate a minority group of people for its supposed ingratitude.

Does this country not belong to everyone, despite their origins and religious and cultural differences? Malaya was built on the sweat and toils of Indian immigrants, and they do not have to grateful to anyone for exercising their democratic rights to choose bipartisan leaders of today.

BN in general and Umno in particular have forsaken the founding principles of Merdeka - that every of the newly-independent nation's citizen be treated on par.

Anonymous_418f: The book is a disgrace if it is used as a text book. I wouldn't want my children to bring it into my house if the DPM insists. I will ask my children to leave it on top of the shoe rack outside my house.

 

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