Malaysian Christians are not only facing tough times ahead, but that they are also feeling under siege by groups such as Perkasa and Isma and the extremists in Umno Baru who claim to be the protectors of the Malays and Islam against threats that exist only in their minds, said Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian.

In his Christmas message, Baru, who is also the Ba’Kelalan state assemblyperson, said, “The fallout from the ‘Allah’ issue continues, despite the assurances by the authorities that the court decision is confined to The Herald .

“Our constitutional right to freedom of religion is being trampled on, even by those who are meant to uphold those rights. Religion is being used as a tool by the desperate in the quest for power, playing on the fears of the Muslims,” he added.

He said that people were motivated by base instincts such as greed, fear, jealousy and hate, and many, imprisoned by ignorance, were unable to break free of these destructive and crippling strongholds in their minds and hearts.

Acts of atrocities - killing of innocent men, women and children - were committed in the name of religion in many parts of the world, he said, pointing out that Christians had been guilty of this - the crusades were fought in the name of God.

“Today, terrorist groups such as IS and the Taliban feature in the news daily, stoking fear and loathing in many.

“In our own country, the minority Christians feel under siege by groups such as Perkasa and Isma and the extremists in Umno Baru, who claim to be the protectors of Malays and Islam against threats that only exist in their minds.”

Pointing out that these were challenging times for Christians in Malaysia, he said that there were those who said that they  should ‘turn the other cheek’ each time they were insulted and victimised whilst there were others who felt that their heads would fall off if they carried on turning their cheeks after every slap.

Baru asked how Christians should respond to those who offended and insulted them.

Should they trade insults for insults and hatred for hatred?

“Whilst we may be filled with righteous anger, we must also remember the teaching of Jesus that we must be as wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

“To me, that means speaking up against wrongdoings and injustice, and never compromising on the truth, but doing so in a non-violent way. Violence is to be abhorred,” he said.

Baru was thankful that Malaysians had never retaliated with violence when baited by those who committed acts of desecration and disrespect against their faiths.

Praying for a return to peaceful coexistence

Malaysian Christians as well as those of other faiths had been praying for a return to the days of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect amongst the various races and religions of this country.

He noted that there were groups of Muslims who had been moved by compassion and love for Malaysia and her people to speak up for tolerance and moderation in this country, and that many more Malaysians had added their voices to this call.

“Truly, we are a nation of diverse but peace-loving and harmonious people but we have let a small group of misguided intolerant rabble-rousers shout too loudly for too long. They do not represent the majority of Malaysians.

“This week, I see a glimmer of hope and a promise of better days to come,” Baru said.