By: DATUK TEO CHEE KANG
IT IS outrageous and totally unacceptable for Utusan Malaysia to blow up baseless story of bloggers alleging that Christian leaders have an agenda to turn Malaysia into a Christian State, something which no right minded citizens of Malaysia would believe.
While certain irresponsible and reckless bloggers exercise no refrain from putting up fictitious stories to their websites for reasons best known to themselves, Utusan Malaysia is expected of the basic standard of care in verifying the truth before reporting, especially when they are dealing with sensitive issues.
However, intentionally or otherwise, their report poses a danger in disrupting the harmony in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society in our nation.
It is most regrettable to see organisations like Pembela and Perkasa prefer to jump the gun and add oil to fire.
Article 11 of the Federal Constitution is there to ensure harmonious coexistance of all religions, no religion should be seen as a threat to the others. In a multi-racial society, we should search for common values instead of picking on differences.
In view of the sensitivity of the issue, holding interfaith dialogue in the spirit of 1 Malaysia will be the best solution to put an end to this ugly episode.
(NOTE: Datuk Teo Chee Kang is a Secretary General of Liberal Democratic Party)
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