ISMA Says Lavish Christmas Trees In Malls Prove Malaysian Christians Are Not Oppressed
Muslims have been “too tolerant” with the Christians, the group also said.
By John Lim — 16 Dec 2015, 01:16 PM
After a controversial anti-Christianisation seminar, conservative Muslim group ISMA are now saying that Christmas trees at shopping malls prove Christians have the freedom of religion in Malaysia
Lavish Christmas trees at shopping centres show that Christians have freedom of religion in Malaysia, according to the website for conservative Muslim group ISMA.
themalaymailonline.com
In an article titled 'Hari Krismas: Adakah Penganut Kristian Ditindas Di Malaysia' (Christmas Day: Are Christians oppressed in Malaysia?) published on Ismaweb.net - Siti Fatimah Ishak, the assistant editor questioned the purpose of setting up Christmas trees
The article also points out how lavish Christmas trees are in malls - 40 feet high, over 6kg worth of LED lights and thousands of hours to decorate. The tree in Pavilion KL is said to be the tallest Swarovski tree in Asia.
"Bahkan di Pavilion Kuala Lumpur ketika ini, pohon Krismas bertatah kristal Swarovski setinggi 23 meter dan sebanyak 174,853 butir kristal jernih yang menghiasi pohon berkenaan. Difahamkan ia merupakan pohon Krismas Swarovski yang tertinggi di Asia."
“Is there a need to celebrate like this, as if the majority of the population of this country is Christian?”
She was referring to rumours that 10,000 Christians had joined a 4km Christmas parade at Dataran Bandar Sibu in Sarawak last Saturday.
“This reality once and for all refutes allegations of irresponsible parties that claim that the Christian minority’s right to freedom of religion has been oppressed by the Malay-Muslim majority,” said Siti Fatimah.
themalaymailonline.com
She also advised Muslims to take note of Christmas carols, saying that it might "destroy the heart and mind in the long run"
Siti Fatimah noted that some carols played at shopping centres contain verses from the Christian Bible.
"Don't memorise the lyrics and sing along without knowing that it will destroy your heart and soul in the long run," she warned Muslims.
She finished the article by emphasising that Muslims have been "too tolerant" of Christians
“The proof is that Muslims are able to live with other ethnic groups who are free to practise their religion, culture and beliefs without any restrictions. In fact, the rights and privileges of non-Muslims are guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and no party can touch or amend them as they like,” she said.
themalaymailonline.com