The Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall (KLCAH) has pointed out that the most concerned national issue in the past year, other than the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods that hit many states at the end of the year, were habits of the people of different races and religions, which were repeatedly and deliberately singled out and nit-picked by some people with the intention of making a fuss over small matters.
“Just as the issue of alcohol prohibition that has been raised repeatedly, this move is tantamount to denying the multicultural nature of Malaysia and the rights of all non-Muslims, especially the cultural rights of the indigenous people of East Malaysia, are being infringed upon.”
KLCAH has launched a poll of its members and consolidated the feedback and opinions of the people on the internet to present the hopes of Malaysians for the coming year, 2022.
The Hall stated that wine is one of the essential drinks for the indigenous people of East Malaysia at the time of harvest festival, while those who provoked the issue of prohibition have not considered the culture of Borneo at all but try to force the perspective of one religion or race on others and other religions.
“Home-brewed wine has always been part of the East Malaysian indigenous cultural heritage, moreover it is their essential drink during harvest festivals, and the United Nations even listed the making of rice wine and tuak, etc., as a world cultural heritage.”
According to KLCAH, alcoholic beverages are also consumed by non-Muslims on festivals and special days in West Malaysia and denying the right of non-Muslims to consume alcohol would be a violation of the spirit of the Constitution and the concept of Keluarga Malaysia.
“Based on the feedback, no one would question the status of Islam as the official religion of the country, but the Federal Constitution under Articles 3(1) and 11(1) gives all races the assurance of freedom of religion.”
According to the 2017 BANCI, the religious classification of Malaysians is 63.3% Muslims, 19.8% Buddhists, 9.2% Christians, 6.5% Hindus, and 1.7% others and the rest are unaffiliated or unknown. Therefore, more than 12 million people are non-Muslims, and their freedoms and rights need to be respected.
As welcoming the new year, KLCAH said that citizens are full of expectations and hopes for next year, which include political stability, economic recovery and greater harmony among people of all races and religions, including the Constitution, which explicitly states that Islam is the official Federal religion, but the Constitution also protects people’s right to be free to practice their religion, such as worship at temples on the first and 15th day of the lunar month, Christians worship at churches on Sundays, Hindus can worship the gods by Pageant on Immortals etc.
“This includes the fact that although we do not advocate any gambling activities, but gambling is an activity that is indivisible from some non-Muslims, no one should force a religious taboo on non-believers. Including in East Malaysia, the old generation of Iban people highlight the brave and fighting spirit of warriors through the competition of cock fighting. Later, with the passage of time and social changes, cockfighting has become an activity for social exchange and to bring entertainment to ordinary days during festivals and harvest celebrations, which should not be forced to prohibit.”
KLCAH said that the recent massive floods in Selangor, Pahang and Kelantan have made the life of the nation even worse. Therefore, a safe, peaceful, and stable living has become what they are looking for and expecting.
KLCAH indicated that although Malaysia has been suffering from the outbreak of Covid-19 for the past 22 months, coupled with the political turmoil, the people of the country have been living in hardship. At the time when the country is facing economic difficulties and some people are in dire straits, all citizens have shown the spirit of helping each other regardless of race and religion, so that everyone can get through the difficulties together. Although it has been a difficult time, the people have not lost hope for the future but looking forward to the day after the rain.
“Recently, Malaysia’s 2021 Chinese character of the year was announced as “盼”, and Malaysians’ expectations for 2022 are all in this character.”
According to KLCAH, the desired country of the nation has remained unchanged, that is, stable politics and economy, as well as social stability and security.
Chai Kee Kan: High Court dismisses ruling on Chinese and Tamil primary school lawsuit
“The Best New Year Gift for Malaysians”
Datuk Seri Dr. Chai Kee Kan, the president of KLCAH, said that the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to dismiss the Chinese and Tamil primary school lawsuit is the best New Year’s gift for the nation who has been defending the Malaysian spirit.
“This is definitely a victory for Malaysians, and we hope that no more parties or individuals will try to challenge, or appeal, and continue to waste their energy and time on this judicial process, which is a great waste of time; because the Education Act and the Constitution have clearly spelled out the legal status of the Chinese and Tamil primary schools.”
He reaffirmed that the Chinese primary schools have been in existence for over 200 years in the country, even before independence, and have cultivated talents that have shone around the world, as well as being recognized by all ethnic groups. Thus, all kinds of accusations that vilify the Chinese primary schools and claim that they are destroying the harmony and unity of the country are baseless.
“Let’s focus next on the economic recovery after the outbreak of Covid-19, and the rebuilding work after the massive floods, and reject any extremist groups that play with racially sensitive topics and attempt to destabilize the country’s diversity.”
Malaysia changed its government on 9th May 2018 and has had four prime ministers in the three years since. The instability of the political situation has made it difficult for people to live in peace, in addition to the recurring pandemic and the recent massive floods that killed many people, which has caused even more sorrow to the people.
“People are tired of political dramas played by political figures, and in front of the pandemic and floods, people can only rely on the mutual help and support of the people.”
He said, during the pandemic, we appreciate the medical personnel who are fighting on the front line; during the floods, it is the spontaneous volunteer who help, regardless of religion and race, and give help to those in need without discrimination, which is very heart-warming.
“In contrast, politicians are playing with racial emotions and stirring up sensitive topics between religions, which is scandalous.”
KLCAH established Crisis Relief Unit (CRU)
According to Datuk Seri Dr. Chai Kee Kan, after the flood, he personally went to the affected area to participate in the relief operation, including the arrangement of supplies to evacuation centers, etc. He was deeply shocked by the devastation of the site. Therefore, he decided to set up a disaster relief team at KLCAH so that in case any disasters occur at any location, KLCAH can deploy staff and supplies to provide support.
“We strongly believe that the significance of disaster relief does not depend on the amount, but on our intention to participate, even if our power is small, but it is enough to act as a starting point and encourage more people to participate.”
He said that when he returned to the disaster site in Taman Sri Muda and Shah Alam after the water had receded, he saw many volunteers who were even more committed than the official agencies and believed that such a spirit was worth spreading.
“Of course, we certainly hope that the government will take a serious look at the “National Flood Control Measure”, which involves hundreds of millions of ringgits, so that it can maximize its effectiveness and prevent the recurrence of similar “Taman Sri Muda and Shah Alam” in the future!”
“Global warming is causing extreme climate change around the world, and human power is extremely small in the face of the natural disasters, so we need to work together and unite to help each other.”
He stated that once the unit is formed, KLCAH will arrange members to undergo basic first aid and escape training in case of emergency.