Dear Mufti

Dear Mufti,

As a Christian, I would like to congratulate the state for its official name change from Perlis Indera Kayangan to Perlis Darul Sunnah recently. This move, which I believed come from a greater desire of the State to follow the teachings and life of Prophet Muhammad, reflected a seriousness among the community to live the way of life, the Ad-din.

The Ad-din, encompasses not only the personal religious life of a Muslim but also translates to how the Muslim relate to others, live and work, the way government makes decisions, run the administration, manage the budget and treat the people. Everything is put under the evaluation from the scriptures. From my limited knowledge of Islam, I believe that submission to Allah and the virtue of justice are integral part of what it means to be Muslim.

This is not very different from our own tradition, going back to the early church where Luke the author of the book of Acts in the Bible described followers of Jesus as followers of the Way. They group together as a community under the Roman-Jewish government, and live a way of life that is distinct from the people around them.

Their faith in Jesus persuaded believers, rich and poor, educated and not to worship God in their newly-formed community and live a life that is radically different from others. They worked hard and honestly, loved their spouse and children, refrain from immorality, forgiving and loving with one another, and diligently study their scriptures.

They obeyed their rulers, loyal to their state, and contribute actively in their society at all levels. Following the commands of Jesus to give credit to those who deserves, they pay their taxes and even prayed for the rulers, acknowledging that it is God who gave the authority to the rulers to rule, no matter what religious persuasion the rulers may have.

Being part of this tradition, I would like to acknowledge my loyalty to the Agong and acknowledge our christian responsibility to take part in the society in all levels including nation-building and having a say in the society. We are also grateful that in our Sultan’s wisdom, he elected Mufti like yours truly to govern over religious affairs of the state, and we are confident that your progressive ideas and moderate approach to Islam would serve the people from all religious persuasion well.

Though there are some issues religious relations in Malaysia that are still swept under the carpet rather than being discussed in a peaceful, dialectic and respectful manner. We are concerned that the increased religious appreciation on the part of the government would sideline minorities, especially in the opportunity to voice our opinions in all affairs of the state including religious and ideological ones.

The recent religious developments in the country such as the ideology of Islam Hadhari, the judiciary system, apostasy, building of religious statues and illegal buildings and also the usage of religious terminology, raises worry on their long term impact on the society.

Therefore it is high time that there is genuine dialogue and exchange between the state and the christian community in a respectful, informed, loving and progressive manner. These exchanges would inform future state policies, dealing not only with theological differences, but also on concrete issues of the day including the political ideology of the day, state policies and issues that affect both Muslims and other minorities.

I believe that the leaders of the community and the people are matured and ready to listen to one another, as equal heirs of this nation. Both the Islamic Ad-din and the Christian Way call for personal religious piety, but also for engagement with all affairs of life and the world, to bring glory to our Supreme God.

Yours faithfully,
KL