The Christian community is concerned about the direction lawmaking in Malaysia is heading to, including the passing of controversial security laws.

Bible Society of Malaysia president Ng Moon Hing said they are troubled by the haste in which legislation - including security laws - are passed.

"We are worried about laws that are being introduced hurriedly and without adequate debate and discussion with all stakeholders.

"Even security laws are of concern to us, because they affect the freedom and liberty of ordinary citizens," Ng said, without naming the National Security Council Bill 2015 (NSC Bill).

"Even as we fight terrorism, we must not succumb to the temptation to do away with law and order to defeat them.

"Do not allow our country to operate in a climate where law and order is suspended.

"That will lead to anarchy and chaos. And that is precisely what the terrorists want. So do not play into their hands and give the terrorists what they want and achieve for them what they desire," he added.

Ng spoke at a Christmas high-tea reception organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) today.

The event was attended by minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of governance and integrity Paul Low, Deputy Federal Territories Minister Loga Bala Mohan, and Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh.

The controversial bill was bulldozed in Dewan Rakyat on Dec 3 and passed in the Upper House - without amendments - on Dec 22.

It went through, even despite BN senators claiming the bill may be unconstitutional and contravene other fundamental guarantees.

The law was slammed by civil society as unconstitutional, a charge supported by national human rights institution Suhakam.

The government was also reprimanded by the European Parliament over its deteriorating human rights record in a 17-point resolution , which also singled out the passing of the bill.

Meanwhile, Ng also urged the Education Ministry to bring back the emphasis and priority in the use of English in the schools

"We are appealing to the authorities to reverse the fall of the education level. Our education standard must not fall below the standard of our previous generation," he said.

"Unfortunately, many, today, cannot speak proper English and they will surely be affected in the international arena," he said.

Related Stories

If gov’t God-fearing, I'm not needed in cabinet, says Paul Low