Praying for peace in the shadow of Perkasa’s war cry FMT Staff | May 16, 2011

FMT Staff | May 16, 2011

Buddhist across Malaysia celebrate Wesak tomorrow in commemoration of the birth and enlightenment of Lord Buddha.

PETALING JAYA: Buddhist nationwide celebrate Wesak tomorrow amidst unsubstantiated allegations of a “Christian Malaysia” plot and Perkasa’s “crusade against Christians”.

In multi-religious Malaysia, Perkasa’s war cry is at cross-purposes with the calls for peace and wellbeing among all Malaysians irrespective of race and beliefs.

In his Wesak Day message, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng urged all to pray for “truth to prevail and for peace to be maintained in Malaysia”.

“It is not enough for Malaysians to just ask for peace, prosperity and good governance alone in their prayers.

“We must also stand together to speak out against hatred, unequivocally abhor extremists and condemn violence,” said Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general.

Referring to the latest threat by Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali’s crusade against the Christians for allegedly trying to usurp Islam, Lim said the time had come for Malaysians to stand up for one another on the common principle that no one should be discriminated based on race or religion.

“We should not discriminate against anyone just because of their skin colour or the different ways of worship they practise.

“Not only is it unacceptable to all moral and religious teachings, it is inhumane as well,” said Lim.

Lim said although it was Christians who were currently being targeted, it would not be long before Buddhists and Hindus also receive the same threat, if the situation is not dealt with swiftly.

“Remember the famous quote by the anti-Nazi and prominent Protestant pastor Martin Niemöller who said:

“’First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Socialist,

“Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist.

“Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew.

“Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me,’” he said.