VOXPOP 'It is sad indeed to see some church leaders not passing a photo opportunity with the prime minister.'

Church leaders led round the bush again

vox populi small thumbnail Thinking: I sympathise with these Christian leaders. Which Malaysian citizen will dare to boycott an invitation from PM Najib Razak, as if he had a real choice to refuse?

Of course, they can show their displeasure and boycott the meeting but then the leaders and the Christian community will be demonised and further ostracised and persecuted.

It's like being caught between a rock and a hard place. I do believe these leaders already know what the outcome would be but they attended the lunch with the PM so as not to aggravate the already difficult situation further.

Anyway, the minds of most non-Muslims and non-Malays are already made up. Thanks to the Internet, we are now better informed and no longer fooled by the BN-controlled media.

Ruben: It is really sad to see our Church leaders grinning and smiling away over getting titbits from the government like:

1) Okay for mission schools on elections of heads of schools

2) Assurance on Bible Knowledge as a subject for SPM

3) Continuation of tax exemption status

If this is all the Church leaders wanted, then it is a big let down. Point 2 and 3 are given and should have never been an issue and as for point 1, I blame the church leaders themselves for letting the missions schools die without having a plan to continue running them independently.

For this, I tip my hat to the Methodist community for still actively running some excellent private schools.

As for the real issues confronting the Christians like the ongoing persecution of the Christians by fanatics who go on and on with the government keeping silent, why was that not brought up? Shame on you, Church leaders.

David Dass: Restoring mission schools to their past glory may no longer be possible. The missionaries trained their own teachers. They were stopped from doing so. Missionaries could come into the country on work permits. Work permits are no longer issued.

The principal and senior assistant were always Catholic or Christians. The principal had the right to admit Catholic students. That right was removed.

Catholics could once be instructed in their faith. That right has been removed. Catholic icons were an essential feature of these schools. Many schools were pressured to remove many of these icons.

In short, the Catholic character of these schools has been lost. Piecemeal reform will not help. Catholic missionaries should think carefully as to what is required before carrying on this charade of maintaining Catholic schools. Without autonomy, simply go private.

Open Minded: If Najib's 1Malaysia is anything to go by and have some significant value, then he should meet with all religious leaders on a day that is auspicious to the nation and try to promote religious tolerance and understanding among these pillars of religion in the country.

No religion is above or better than the rest, it is purely a human twisted perception. Instigation and suspicion only creates tension and animosity.

This individual meeting is an eyewash and perhaps a glory-seeking session for leaders on both sides with the cameras clicking and videos rolling.

Malaysiasakit: One by one, the institutions in this country come crumbling down - the latest being the church. It is sad indeed to see some church leaders not passing a photo opportunity with the PM.

Sodom Me Sodom You: All right-thinking Christians must vote for an alternative government. This sickening charade must end now. Don't dance with the devil any more, church leaders. When you least expect it, the devil is going to get you.

Only top Umno leaders my foes, says Anwar

Anonymous: We are with you, Anwar Ibrahim. Enough of the Umno-BN drama. Sarawak CM Abdul Taib Mahmud remains a free man despite all the corruption allegations, and yet the small fry are caught and roasted from head to foot.

Jaasman Torrezza: Mmmm, I still remember the many occasions Anwar spoke to us in closed-door meetings on the devious schemes the Chinese had in thwarting Malay economic progress.

I guess he was lying then and he is a born-again multi-racialist now. Well done Anwar, even if your salvation comes on your career's death-bed.

Jedi_Who: Yes, Anwar used to be like them. Hopefully, years of persecution by Umno and the suffering he has endured has changed him to a better person and he has given up his old ways.

He would have learned that many Malaysians of all creeds and races are better friends and allies than his evil Umno cohorts.

Gen2indian: I am a Hindu and my support is 100 percent with Anwar. Whatever your ‘crimes', it pales in comparison with the thieves and murderers currently leading the country.

I pray Pakatan Rakyat will at least be given a chance to lead the country just once. Judging from Penang and Selangor, Pakatan is at least cleaner and more transparent.

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