As a Christian, I cannot keep to my seat, or shut my mouth and stay neutral over issues of morality.
So I emerge today from my several months of silence and non-involvement to say that what transpired yesterday is immoral, unacceptable and unconscionable.
Why was a witness being held for questioning for ten hours and only released at 3.45am? What kind of case is it and what is the urgency of the case in question that the witness had to be deprived of sleep and forcibly kept awake till 3.45am? Was the nation deemed to be in grave danger had the witness in question been sent home at a respectable time and asked to report again for questioning the next morning? The nation could endure long years of waiting over so many other much longer pending cases involving so much more public money and have much greater weight in public interest but this particular case could not wait for the next morning when the witness in question would have been fresher and better rested? What kind of interrogation was he subjected to on the fateful night without end? Why was it that a witness had to be isolated from his lawyer and forced to be in the sole company of officers with no other neutral person/s present? Because he was in the sole company of officers who were interrogating him, how would his side of the story be ever told? And how would, why should the officers in question be trusted when they tell the nation what actually transpired during that fateful night the witness lost his life? There were no other witness/es present so how would these officers in question clear their own involvement or clear their own names in this sad story?
Isn’t it true that a medical doctor should carry out the examination of a patient of the opposite sex in the presence of at least one other person? This is a wise procedure so that should any allegation of wrongful conduct be raised against him or her, the doctor would have some neutral testimony to defend him or her.
There have been too many instances of contravention against natural justice in this country involving the agencies and instruments of state. There have been too many victims. The neutrality of these instruments of state is questionable.
I CANNOT REMAIN NEUTRAL ABOUT ISSUES OF MORALITY.
This is not about partisan politics. I expect my friends from both sides of the parliamentary divide to speak up. I expect to hear from all political parties and all who hold public office at all levels to speak up. I want especially to hear from Maximus Ongkili, Bernard Dompok, Lee Hwa Beng, Loh Seng Kok who publicly profess the Christian Faith to speak up.
I expect the churches and the church leadership to speak up including those I know personally such as Hwa Yung, Ng Moon Hing and many others.
Of course all of the above persons should state their own views and even fault my manner of speaking or reasoning. But silence is not an option. Leaders do not have the option of keeping their opinion to themselves. They must lend their voices to voices which have been silenced.
A young life has been lost on the very eve of his wedding. Siblings, parents, colleagues and a fiance are in inconsolable grief. WHY SO? WHO WILL BE NEXT?
yum
July 17, 2009
The sorry fact is that the Christian church (and I use this word in the broadest sense) in Malaysia is too docile.
Focusing mainly on matters of the after-life and navel-gazing, stuff like this social degeneration in this nation does not get much sermon-time.
You are right. It is time time the Church stands up and be counted.
We seem to forget that Martin Luther King is an ordained minister. He led the way. And there was change.
Sonny Tneoh
July 17, 2009
I will stand in the congregation and pray and speak up for Teoh Beng Hock. Churches should get into sackcloth for Malaysia
Gan
July 17, 2009
Mr Goh,
All thinking Man regardless of whatever faith he or she professes, should never ever stay neutral if ever he or she is aware that a wrong or injustice or harm is done to another living being.
Now is the time that we have to stand united in solidarity regardless of our faith to regain our country from the evil clutches of BN !
I hope your plea is heard by all.
ahgroo
July 17, 2009
I wonder if the current govt is playing the racial cards to stoke fire and cause unrest as the chinese n indians rise up and in turn cause the malays to click together again to counter this so-called threat? Politics is dirty and those crooks will do anything to stay in power for they hv much to lose if the fed. govt falls into the opposition. Kugan n TBH wont be the last and what can we do when the nation’s judiciary, police, macc, EC and other govt agencies are all cohorts in this big game?
ThinkingAloud
July 17, 2009
The Christian Church in Malaysia has lost its responsibility to speak out for the oppressed. They hide behind the statements that they make, and after that nothing is done. The oppressed are not only the Christians but its every other citizen of this country regardless of race, colour or creed. We are a family. I wonder why they call themselves Christians. What did they say about Kugan…Sadly…they are much more concerned about their kind. Thinking again what it means to save souls
Dr. HC Pang
July 17, 2009
No, the so-called Christian leaders WILL NOT speak up.
They have not, and they will not.
Not when it has little to do with the usage of Allah and Malay bible and the presence of Muslim spies in a Catholic mass.
My faith is not in man but in God, for man even seemingly Godly ones will always disappoint and act in their own interests.
brokenheart
July 17, 2009
If christian cannot or dare not speak up perhaps all should wear black clothings to show support for Teoh who died for fighting the rights for our nations.
selva
July 17, 2009
The people deserve this. When Anwar was arrested beaten to pulp all the so called chinese just folded their arm and said “this is a Malay problem” We just go about minding our business of making money.
When even Anwar said “if this can happen to a DPM what will happen to the ordinary people at the hands of the police”
Now the chinese are getting it. Go ahead just mind your business and keep making money and take all the money to your GRAVE. THIS IS WHAT I CALL KARMA
godricmudblood
July 17, 2009
why would those who walk the corridors of power care about what you expect? why should they even care if you are angry? why should they even care about your suspicion? why in hell should they even care that a guy died under MACC custody?
at the end of the day, some of us still thinks that BN is salvageable.
yapsir
July 17, 2009
Dear Bro.
Welcome back.
I have been trying and praying for you to return to the front.There is a group of concern christians are willing to go front.
For the Bangsa Anak Malaysia.
yapsir(Pr.Henry Yap)
calvin low
July 17, 2009
I totally agree that we should not be silent anymore and make our stand on this tragedy that had befallen Teoh
TAIB ERDOGAN
July 17, 2009
As a muslim, I too cannot tolerate this injustice to a fellow descendant of Adam. I demand that the muslim parlimentarians do something and not just speak. Let us have the biggest interfaith memorial for the deceased. I do not expect anything from UMNO or the Muftis. They worship the Almighty Ringgit.
Gondor
July 17, 2009
Yum is correct. Too many times have the churches in Malaysia reacted in a pathetic manner that truly invites scorn & mockery from non-believers. The current political situation have been festering like an untreated wound for a long time and the best response most of the church leaders would give is to “turn the other cheek”. Thank God for the brave few like Ngeh Koo Ham, Elizabeth Wong, Theresa Kok and some others who have the guts to fight tyranny at the roots. The Church should take on a more pro-active role (and I am not suggesting violent street protests!)instead of just turning the “other cheek” or in some cases, migrating overseas like a coward. If Christianity calls us to behave in a Chicken-shit manner all the time, then perhaps I should look for a new belief.
NurKL
July 17, 2009
I am Muslim. I grieve with Mr Teoh’s family. Although this is the first I am hearing of the young man, I feel this loss as I would a member of my own birth family. I won’t ever forget Mr Teoh, I will remember his anniversary… I am sure I will think of him often; I will “celebrate” him. He has such a gentle face…
I was convent-educated and have been repeating these words to myself for my own “sanity” — “Deliver us from evil. Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
To the Teoh Family, God is truly Great.
My heart is with you.
Al-Fatiha.
jarod
July 17, 2009
Bro,
Some churches did that. However, is too minimal impact.
I do know some pastor asked Youth to be more open about their view, concern for the country. But still, On Methodist (I know u r one), they are not touching on that to avoid contact with sensitive issues.
Eng
July 17, 2009
To try to stay in political power is understandable. To hassle those who are in the ‘opposite’ of one’s belief (whilst in power) is still understandable. BUT to result in DEATH just to stay in power, is NOT, repeat NOT anymore political. IT IS TERRORISM. STOP pointing fingers…look into the mirror.
Adam
July 17, 2009
I join with all fair-minded Malaysians to mourn the tragic and senseless death of Teoh Beng Hock. I fully support your demand to know the answers to each and every question you wrote.
The church has taken the separation of Church and State to the extreme. As a result, when those like Kugan die in police custody and other forms of abuse of power take place, no voice of protest is heard from either Christian politicians or the Christian church in Malaysia.
Christians should do more than just pray. In Bible times, didn’t Queen Esther speak up against the tyranny of Haman? The problem with Christians is no one dares to say, “If I perish, I perish”.
The very least that should be done is to make a strong demand for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into this utterly horrific death.
Paul Warren
July 17, 2009
The church is doing what Jesus instructed to the letter; ” give unto Caesar…..” the Church in Germany stayed silent before, during and even after the 2nd world war. the church in America stood aside while slavery was practiced.
So what is so different about the church today in Malaysia? Unable to comment on ISA. Unable to comment on Kugan. Unable to comment on Altantuya. Unable to comment on the state of the judiciary. Unable to comment on police brutality. Unable to tell its congregation that all of them who subscribe to the benefits forthcoming from the application of the kind of laws and the enforcement of those laws are equally tainted with the blood of the innocents.
Yes, in some perverted demonic ways there will be someone in UMNO, MCA and MIC telling us that all this is done to secure for us an equitable economic order as well as a safe environment to live our lives. And by shutting up we say yes to whats happened to Teoh. We say yes to what happened to Kugan. We say yes to whats happening to Anwar now. We say yes to Tajuddin Ramli emptying MAS’ coffers. We say yes to Khir Toyo making absolute fools of us. We say yes to the to MACC story that Teoh was released at 3.45am and that he was sleeping on the sofa or whatever and that no one really knows what happened to him.
There is one thing as Christians we can all do. Maybe this Sunday. Lets all wear black to mourn whats happened. Maybe the Church might just submit to this when you tell them that the Home Minister actually condones the actions of the two Al Islam journos who violated the most important of Christian sacraments. After all he has not suspended nor has he even threatened to suspend Al Islam’s printing license. Let us continue to wear black every Sunday until that happens. No, I am not wanting to do this because this is not the christian way. but i am advocating this for the Kugans, the Teohs, the many shenanigans of the enforcement divisions of the government which violate all sense of decency just to ensure UMNO reigns.
Paul
July 17, 2009
Thank you for standing up and speaking out
Sunny
July 17, 2009
My deepest condolences to the deceased’s family! And my heart goes out to the bereaving family members , I grieve with them too! 😦
No man nor religion in this world could tolerate such a needless loss of life.
So Irregardless of faith, justice should be pursuit to the fullest in to uncovering what led to this unfortunate dead!
I am just simple atheist and do not need anyone nor religion to tell me to behave like a decent human being.
Johnny
July 18, 2009
Dear ALL,
This is not the matter of faith! is matter of POLITICS. Do confuse with the religion.
What Najib is doing is just wayang kulit only!!
The agency like POLICE/MACC/COURTS/ which suppose to be independent body are the puppet of UMNO!!
We must do something with our right when GE13 come, show them rakyat power, TAK NAK BN!!!
We need to change!! Remember this. Another 3 years, I will wait for another 3 years.
I don’t trust this BN GOVERNMENT ANY MORE!
The dentist with big house still nothing happen to him, but a young good guy have die because of he is aides to and PR Adun. Where is the justice???!!!!
aca
July 18, 2009
ministers speaking up for Teoh?
ongkili and bernard will stand up for truth and principles?
they are no ZAID IBRAHIM. they are just position and wealth seekers.
future Malaysia
July 18, 2009
As a Christian, I say Christians, I know are all for BN regime, it seems they cannot do wrong and if they do they do so they must respect the authorities – THIS IS BS (bull-shit).
They want peace (no May13 threat), and prosperity (a lot Christians are either middle or rich folks), so that they can carry on a ‘rich’ life.
Sickening when you hear the leaders or pastor say only the BN can lead this nation.
TIME FOR THE PROTESTANT CHURCH TO COME OUT PROTESTING TO INJUSTICES COMMITTED.
Nick
July 18, 2009
I count RPK as my hero. But there are no christians in this country who are in the same league. So better remain silent in prayer in your own home and in your own space.
kinsyng
July 18, 2009
I speak not because I’m a fellow Christian, though Christianity is my faith and belief, I speak because I’m a fellow human being just like everybody else.
The basis of democracy is morality and the end result is for the good of its citizens. Regardless of faiths, skin colors, or creed, it’s our inherent ‘humanness’ that defines our moral values and to say, “Damn you! a life has been lost, you want me to remain silent?”
splim
July 18, 2009
Reading the 25 preceding comments so far give us a fairly accurate picture of how Malaysians both Christians and non Christians see the Malaysian church and its leadership. And it isn’t a nice picture. What do you expect when not so long ago you have a Christian leader from the evangelical wing you telling us Christians to remain apolitical. We should only be concerned with spiritual matters.
I have a dream. That is to see on 1st of August pastors and priests in their vestments leading their congregations to the streets to protest against the ISA and to call of its abolition and to free all ISA detainees immediately or charge them in open court. Well this remains a dream. But everything begins with a dream.
Brother in Kelana Jaya
July 18, 2009
As a Christian, I agree with Brother Keat Peng tha I cannot keep to my seat, or shut my mouth and stay neutral over issues of morality.
As a Malaysian, I cannot keep to my seat, shut my mouth and stay neutral over the misdeeds of the apparatus of the state that I, as a taxpayer and law-abiding citizen, is inherently a part of.
As a Christian, I cannot be blind, deaf and dumb, when people are mistreated, no matter what their rank, religion, ethnicity or political beliefs may be.
As a Malaysian, I cannot subscribe to the notion that national institutions like the Police, MACC, the Judiciary, Parliament, the Civil Service, the Press, etc, are subservient to the political masters. That they either move in haste or hardly move at all based on political directions.
As a Christian, I cannot condone inhumane, barbaric and senseless interrogation methods under the guise of seeking the truth. Even the murderer must have his day in court.
As a human being, I pray I never lose my personal credibility and my soul. That I can still make the distinction between what is right and wrong, what is black and white; and why sitting on the fence or lurking in the grey areas will never make me right before God.
As a Christian and a Malaysian, I will do my part, where I am, especially in my workplace, to make a difference. I will not take the easy way out and make an exit.
I will stay and persevere so that my generation and the generations to come will reap the real fruits that God intends for this blessed land that I call my home and my country.
tenwarningstotheobloggers
July 18, 2009
just do it!
Sharing
July 18, 2009
All Human should stand up NOT because THET belong to any Church or Temple or Mosque…All should think of What A Human needs to live in a Harmonic Society.
a) The Respect of Each Others for a Steady life to bring up young and to take care of those Aged and less fortunate!
b) The Freedom of a Peaceful commuinication of Opinion for the Maintenance of Harmony, progress of the Society. Both material, Spiritual, and, Environmental.
c) All Religions should be for Spiritual development towards Harmony to be based on Sympathy to those less fortunate, Humble to serve and work (and so be responsible) for their do in life – at work, study or in contact with others.
Human Rights should be the General Topic for all Religion to maintain Dignity, Rights and Obligations of ALL Human. Only with the Correct Rights and Obligations, the Right Human can be promoted to provide the right human for every Church!!
ONLY THOSE WITH A HEART TO CARE OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD BE PROMOTED!!
PLEASE LET HUMAN RIGHTS COHERE ALL RACES AND RELIGIONS INTO NOT ONLY ONE MALAYSIA BUT ONE EARTH!!
Msan
July 19, 2009
There are Christian leaders who speak up against injustices in this country and one of the most passionate and outspoken is Father O.C. Lim. Unfortunately, Father OC is in IJN recuperating from heart surgery and it is (I am very sure) everyone’s wish that he not be informed about this case until he is completely well. This case will break his heart and cause him a lot of sorrow as he has been championing the abolition of the ISA and the fight against corrupt practices in this country for a very long time.
My deepest condolence to Teoh Beng Hock’s family and fiancee.
yapsir
July 27, 2009
At first,I do not want to comment on this matter twice.But as read along,I feel like just put my heart in again.
After many days of reflection on the late BH Teoh’s incident. I finally come to my own words to describe what was transpire.
Just one word:-Aselgeia.
aselgeia in greek denotes “excess, licentiousness, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness and lasciviousness.
Which indicates a love of sin so reckless and so audacious that a man has ceased to care what God or man thinks of his actions, which contain the idea of shamelessness, outrageousness.
[ It simply denotes wrong doing so open and so blatant that it has ceased to have any regard for what anyone may think or feel or say.
The characteristics of ‘aselgeia.’ have wanton and undisciplined action. It is the action of a man who is at the mercy of his passions and his impulses and his emotions, and in whom the voice of calm reason has been silenced by the storms of self will.
It has respect neither for the persons nor the rights of anyone else. It is violent, insolvent, abusive, audacious. Any thought and sympathy for the feelings of others has ceased to exist.
It is completely indifferent to public opinion and to public decency. A man may well begin to do a wrong thing in secret; at the beginning his one aim an desire may be to hide it from the eyes of men. He may love the wrong thing, and he may even be mastered by it, but he is still ashamed of it. But it is
perfectly possible for him to come to the stage when he does openly and blatantly that which he did secretly and in concealment. He may come to a stage of sin when he is so lost to shame that he no longer cares what others see, and what they may say, or what they may think.
The terrible thing about Lasciviousness is that it is the act of a character which has lost that which ought to be its greatest defense–its self-respect, and its sense of shame. “Flesh and Spirit,” by William Barclay.]
The journey for truth, justice, transparency , fairness, freedom, righteousness has just begun. It takes our unity, perseverance and willingness to make it happen.
Let the “Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia” come together to make Malaysia a better place for our children and their children to come.
yapsir (Henry Yap)