THE Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) today welcomed the counsel from Malay rulers for politicians to stay clear of playing up race and religious issues.

“The role and wise leadership especially of our king, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in promoting a politics of reconciliation and unity to replace toxic politics, has borne much fruit in preparing Malaysia for a phase of coalition politics in the country.

“In this respect, the Council of Churches Malaysia welcomes, with respect and gratitude, the decree of the Majlis Raja-Raja that leaders of political parties are to cease and desist raising racial and religious issues to instigate or incite the public,” CCM general-secretary Jonathan Jesudas said in a statement.

He also said the advice by the Malay rulers for the government to instil the spirit of equality among the people and to emphasise the Rukun Negara was also timely.

He added this was vital for the full functioning of the Malaysian polity under a unity government.

Previously CCM had expressed shock when former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin accused Christians of being in concert with a group of Jews to promote Christianity and Christianise Malaysia.

Jesudas had said that the remarks, which were made just before the general election, were untrue and irresponsible, particularly from a politician of Muhyiddin’s standing.

“We live in a multi-religious and multiracial country, and each community must be taken into account when addressing public forums.

“Such statements, carelessly uttered, have a tendency to create racial and religious tension and strife,” he had said in a statement.

There had also been other instances where politicians had used race and religious cards to garner support from among their own supporters.

In the run-up to the general election, PAS had also accused other parties of being immoral, going as far as to say voting for other parties was “haram”, for which the punishment was going to hell. – December 1, 2022.