Malaysian Govt. Allows Christmas Celebrations, Puts End to Controversy

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Christmas in 2004 was a pleasant surprise for the Christian community living in Malaysia as hymns with references to Jesus was allowed during public celebrations of Christmas on December 25 in the presence of King Syed Sirajuddin and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

During the mega Christmas Party in Petaling Jaya, Christmas carols such as Silent Night and Joy to the world was performed. The event was promoted by the Malaysian government and the Christian Federation of Malaysia as a sign of the nation’s unity.

Father Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Herald, Kuala Lumpur diocesan paper, said that the government gave the go–ahead to Christmas carols with references to Jesus contradicting Father OC Lim who, in a letter, had called the alleged ban “scandalous and sacrilegious” for it would have downgraded Christmas to a mere cultural event.

To make the government’s stand clear, in an interview with Singapore’s New Strait Times prior to the Christmas celebrations, Malaysia’s Cultural Minister Rais Yatim said that the controversy has been overcome. “Some quarters,” he said, “have tried to say that the government is imposing restrictions and prohibitions. To this, I say: Attend the Christmas party in PJ [Petaling Jaya] on Dec 25. Then talk.”

Still bitter over the whole incident, the Minister added, “hurting people is easy. Healing wounds takes a long time.” Nonetheless, he stressed that December 25 “will be a day of celebration” and urged “all Malaysians” to participate in the Christmas party.

The statement of the Cultural Minister was lauded by the Bishops of Malaysia who said that they would participate in the festivities scheduled on Christmas day and highlighted the nation’s motto: Unity is strength. In their Christmas message, the bishops pointed out that “the philosophy of ‘unity is strength’ can only be successful when it is coupled with the philosophy of ‘unity in diversity’” which enriches rather than limits.

Culture Minister Rais Yatim went further and said that ‘religious tolerance’ was recognized in Malaysia’s supreme law. “Although Islam is the official religion,” he said, “the Constitution recognizes the right to embrace and practice one’s faith. By recognizing this, each person [. . .] can live harmoniously, with respect for each other’s faith.”