The issue of the Vatican ties with Malaysia will continue to be a discussion topics for a long time to come especially among the Catholics. This article appearing on 20 July 2011 is one that is written in a positive note. I hope that good intentions do not always give in to earlier frustrations or anger so much that we miss a good opportunity to have a better future.
Until the next time, cheers.
The Star, 20 July 2011
Comment By Lourdes Charles
Malaysia’s recent strengthening of ties with the Holy See can be politicised, ridiculed and criticised, or taken in good faith. If the latter is done, then there is a lot of good that our country can derive from Rome.
TAN Sri Murphy Nicholas Xavier Pakiam is not exactly a household name but among the Christians, he is highly respected and revered.
The Catholic Archbishop of the Kuala Lumpur Diocese may oversee the spiritual welfare of an estimated one million Catholics in Malay-sia, but he is hardly seen or heard of by the people, preferring to stay clear from news and from controversy.
With political emotions running high in Malaysia, the 73-year-old Perak born has suddenly found himself tossed into the limelight with lots of criticism levelled against him.
Some accuse him of being a traitor to his religion. The reason – he was with Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when the Prime Minister met the Pope.
They are upset that he was in Rome when there were unsolved issues affecting the community here in the country.
Among others, there is the Allah issue and the seizure and desecration of the Bible in Bahasa Malay-sia. And there is the difficulty in obtaining approvals for the construction of churches besides the removal of the cross from missionary schools.
Even a number of priests feel that Archbishop Murphy should not have been part of Najib’s entourage.
The detractors accuse Najib’s administration of scoring points, especially with the Christians in Sabah and Sarawak and for the general election.
Usually the archbishop or a bishop refrains from accompanying the head of a state to the Vatican.
However, in this case, the Catholic Bishops conference selected Archbishop Murphy as the head of the Catholic community to be present.
There are Catholics who see the noble gesture to establish diplomatic ties as historic and in the right direction. Surely a lot of goodness can be derived from having such formal ties with the Holy See.
After all, for years the Vatican, as the oldest diplomacy in the world, has been working towards having bilateral ties with Malaysia, and now that it has materialised, it’s best to keep politics at bay.
Many countries have looked to the Vatican for guidance, especially on education and on how to co-exist peacefully through its laws and philosophy.
Prime ministers and heads of state come and go, not the relationship between governments. It is here to stay.
According to Father Lawrence Andrew, Najib as the Prime Minister and an elected representative of the state, has moved forward and inked the ties.
“The channel of communication has now been opened between the two,” says Father Lawrence.
“And it is diplomatic relations between two states, and not with Najib personally,” he says.
“Let not emotions get the better of us. We will be traitors, betraying our nation if we think that Najib is the nation and attribute it all to him,” said the Catholic Herald editor, stressing that one must not take the ties with the Holy See as a problem-solving relationship.
Najib himself has come under fire from Muslims who have criticised his visit.
It is a political gamble for him too. The criticism shows how delicate it is to handle religious issues.
Certainly, name calling, accusations and casting aspersions run contrary to the teachings of all religions.
Malaysians should look beyond the ties. There are long-term benefits. As for the archbishop – whose motto is Mercy and Peace – his main concern and interest is his flock, and it is not an easy task.
Everyone should show restraint, look to the good in things, and not the ugly side.
Give peace a chance.
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