Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

19-21 Jalan La Salle, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-5458220 (O)
F: 05-5468495
T: 05-5468611 (Community)

Parish Priest : Rev. Philip Lai, CSsR

Sat. Novena Devotion : 9.00 am & 6.00 pm
Sat. Sunset Mas : 7.00 pm English

Sunday Mass:
 8.30 am English
10.00 am Tamil
11.30 am Mandarin

Chapels:
St. Mary's Chapel, Kg. Tersusun
Sunday Mass in Tamil : 5.00 pm

Rangers's Camp Chapel
8.00 M. Mass in B.M.

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Search for the truth
Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Sep 26 2007
Church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ipoh >>

9 September 2007 issue of the Herald

IPOH: What is Truth? The truth is what makes a person a better being, ennobles us, widens our perception and  touches the heart.

That was why for one and a half hours, Dr Jeyakumar Devaraj, well-known for his inspiring work and struggle for social justice, held everyone’s attention as he spoke on the topic, “Malaysia: a Secular State?” at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church here on Aug 23. Speaking after a prayer session held for the nation’s 50th year of independence, Dr Jeyakumar responded to Deputy Prime Minster Datuk Seri  Najib Tun Abdul Razak’s “Malaysia is an Islamic State” remark which was widely reported.

His moving and honest talk gave an overall idea of what an Islamic State and Secular State is all about, the Federal constitution, (pertaining to article 11 which gives freedom of religion) and the jurisdiction of the Syariah Court in respect to the High Court, (under article 121) which has now become a major bone of contention.

“Malaysia is not purely a Secular State, but a mixture of both. Although termed Secular, there is a moral policing which is really conservative,” he said,.

He cited the examples of the recent false SMS about Muslims being baptised at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Silibin, Ipoh, on Nov 5, and its repercussions, (where some 300 Muslims surrounded the church because they believed the false SMS.), and Perak Mufti Datuk Sri Harussani Zakaria’s claim that over 100,000 Muslims had become apostates which was again found to be untrue.

“There is certainly a push towards giving Islam greater prominence, but not all Muslims agree with the way it is being done.”

There is a danger when people are politicking and playing up the issue, Dr Jeyakumar said. Malaysians must shift from being just observers to being more aware of issues affecting our comm unities and participate in changing social injustices present, here and now. Showing media reports of social injustices, he added:

“Voice your protests, and look at formal issues. There is a need to have a multiracial concept of social responsibility. We should not run away but stay and do something. We can approach our leaders in the area where we stay, through our Member of Parliament and voice our grievances.”

On the fear that most Malaysians have of being thrown into jail through the Internal Security Act, he said: “The ISA scares so many people. When it comes to upholding our Federal Constitution, it is a personal risk and a personal choice we make. If we don’t have the conviction, or faith in our belief and rights, it creates fear.”

Dr Jeyakumar also spoke on the social injustices present, the ever-widening chasm between the few rich leaders at the top with political and financial power and the very poor mass of Malays at grassroots level, who were unable to change their lot in life because of their situation.

“Malaysians tend to view the plight of marginalised communities as being “reminders” of a problem we would rather not see, or get involved in. There is a need for ordinary people to talk about common issues. Malaysians tend to let local problems colour their perception of Muslims. We need to reach out to other Malaysian Muslims, to talk about issues which affect them. Even within the Muslim community, a lot of them don't agree with what is happening and think it is wrong.”

Many of the grassroot Malays are still poor, and there is a need for everyone to play a part, he said. From the Mat Rempit, which he termed as “a powder keg of frustration of youths,” Dr Jeyakumar pointed out the root cause was a disease of exclusion which was now permeating our society. This was also one of  the causes of  the formation of gangs of Indian and Malay youths.

“There is resentment present. Either we can cut and run or we can be a part of the process and solve the problem. Can we accept that Islam comes from the same source as all religions, that it preaches tolerance and harmony?

On the bigger picture, he added: “It is wrong for us to think of ‘us’ against ‘them’ as we should have a balanced perception. Can we recognise the suffering of others in solidarity with the Palestinians? Or speak out against economic policies that are marginalising millions?”

Rounding up his talk, Dr Jeyakumar called for a fundamental change in the people’s consciousness to contribute in some way towards nation building. If anything, the talk galvanised many into asking questions, and giving comments on how far their social duties went. But there was no doubt that many went away with a widened sensibility on familiar social issues as if seeing and understanding them better for the first time.

Last changed: Sep 26 2007 at 11:19 AM