NUCC Full Press Release

NUCC PRESS RELEASE

The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) held its first full council meeting today (Jan 6, 2014) to deliberate its priorities and task. The urgent task for the NUCC over the next six months is the drafting of the National Unity Blueprint which we have been mandated to complete by the Prime Minister.

Dialogue Perpaduan

We have decided today that we will undertake the formulation of the National Unity Blueprint by hosting a series of dialogues with the grassroots in town hall type of meetings throughout the country.

Seventeen towns have been identified and NUCC members will travel around the country to hear the views of the people in what they determine are issues and concerns and also the action n plan for the nation as a whole.

NUCC has secured the support of 20 academicians, who, since 2007, have the invaluable experience of having conducted the Ethnic Relation’s Module at our public universities under the leadership of Prof Shamsul Amri Baharuddin (UKM, Institute of Ethnic Studies), to assist the NUCC in documenting the detailed comments and suggestions as well as draft the National Unity Blueprint.

Working Committees

The Council also discussed the establishment of five working groups namely Law and Policies; Multiculturalism; Inclusive Development; Youth & National Unity and finally National Integration.

Religious Liberties

On a contemporary matter, the Council also deliberated on the recent issue pertaining to the use of the name Allah by Christians; the raid by Selangor religious authorities at the Bible Society of Malaysia and a number of demonstrations in Selangor pertaining to this matter.

After deliberation, the NUCC came to the following conclusions:

First, NUCC believes that all Malaysians must uphold racial and religious harmony. Any acts that causes disharmony should be deplored especially the politicization of race and religion.

Second, NUCC views that all parties must be mindful of the sensitivity of this matter and should refrain from making statements that can further undermine national unity.

Third, NUCC regrets the raid and confiscation of Bibles. This is a blatant disregard of the TEN POINT SOLUTION made by the Federal Government in April 2011 and reiterated by Prime Minister in Oct 2013.

Fourth, NUCC calls all parties to abide by the TEN POINT SOLUTION which is also accepted by the Christian Federation of Malaysia.

Fifth, NUCC calls on the Government to ensure compliance of the TEN POINT SOLUTION and to respond to challenges to national unity with a greater sense of urgency.

Sixth, NUCC calls on all Malaysians to respect all places of worship and not to hold any demonstrations outside any place of worship.  NUCC welcomes the decision of Selangor UMNO not to stage any demonstration outside churches on Sunday.

Seventh, NUCC urges all Malaysians to promote religious dialogue and harmony.

Eighth, NUCC’s working committee on Law & Policies and the working committee on Multiculturalism will host closed door discussions with the religious authorities, religious and community leaders to find a peaceful settlement. NUCC members will serve as Unity Bridge Builders in Malaysian society

Ninth, NUCC calls all parties to remain calm, respect the religious freedom of all as provided for in the Federal Constitution and in all their dealings to act with mutual respect, peace, compassion and moderation.

Tenth, we also call on all leaders from all political parties including Federal and State leaders to ensure that such acts are not repeated in order to eliminate religious or racial tensions. Furthermore these leaders must play a more proactive role in defusing religious or racial tensions as community moderators in building a peaceful and harmonious Malaysia.

Issued by

NUCC Members

National Unity Consultative Council

Jan 6, 2014

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THE TEN POINT SOLUTION


PRIME MINISTER

MALAYSIA

11 April 2011                                                                                      JPM.PEMANDU,600-231112011 (2)

Bishop Ng Moon Hing

Chairman

Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM)

As we are all aware, the impounding of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia has triggered concerns and tensions within the country which we have to address urgently to prevent these from escalating any further. Consequently, we have been in discussion with the Christian Federation of Malaysia and other Christian groups to resolve the Bahasa Malaysia/lndonesia Bible and also other religious issues. Taking into account the polarity of views of the different religious groups, including Christians and Muslims, the Government decided on a Ten Point Solution.

On 2nd April 2011 the Government announced a Ten Point Solution to address the Bible issue and other related issues. I wish to confirm that this is a collective decision by the Cabinet.

The Ten Point Solution is as follows:

1. Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.

2. These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcome by the Christian groups.

3. Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban, Kadazan¬Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally and imported.

4. For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/ Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.

5. Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community, for Peninsula Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front covers.

6. In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travel between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia, there should be no prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their bibles and Christian materials on such travel.

7. A directive on the Bible has been issued by the Ketua Setiausaha (KSU) of the Home Ministry to ensure proper implementation of this cabinet decision. Failure to comply will subject the officers to disciplinary action under the General Orders. A comprehensive briefing by top officials, including the Attorney General (AG), will be given to all relevant civil servants to ensure good understanding and proper implementation of the directive.

8. For the impounded Bibles in Kuching, Gideon, the importer can collect all the 30,000 Bibles free of charge. We undertake to ensure the parties involved are reimbursed. The same offer remains available for the importer of the 5,100 Bibles in Port Kiang, which have already been collected by the Bible Society Malaysia (BSM) last week.

9. Beyond the Bible issue, the Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to work with the Christian groups and all the different religious groups in order to address interreligious issues and work towards the fulfilment of all religious aspirations in accordance with the constitution, taking into account the other relevant laws of the country. In order to bring urgency to this work, in my capacity as the Prime Minister, I will meet the representatives of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) soon to discuss the way forward.

10. The Christian Ministers in the cabinet will meet on a regular basis with representatives of the various Christian groups in order to discuss their issues and work with the relevant Ministries and myself in order to resolve them. As the leader of this country, I wish to reiterate the Government’s commitment in solving any religious issues in this country. There is a need to manage polarities that exist in our society to achieve peace and harmony. I believe the best way to achieve this is through respect, tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Yours sincerely,

DATO’ SRI MOHD NAJIB

(Prime Minister of Malaysia)