Religious leaders laud Khairy’s Christmas Day message

PETALING JAYA: Religious leaders have lauded the Christmas Day message of Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin of “having faith in your own faith.”

Federation of Taoist Associations Malaysia president Tan Hoe Chieow said the understanding of one’s own faith was important.

He recalled when he was young he went to church and mingled with Christians but it did not affect his own Taoist beliefs.

In his message, Khairy related his years in a Catholic primary school in Japan, adding that it did not undermine or shake his faith.

“The point of my brief recollection is this: have faith in your own faith. If your belief is strong, no one can make you lose your religion,” he said.

Council of Churches Malaysia general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said he was glad with Khairy’s message.

He said many Muslim leaders in the country had studied in missionary schools and they were inculcated with values that led them to their current positions.

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman, however, said that those talking about religion should have knowledge in it.

He said Muslims could not take part in the rites of other religions as it could make them confused, even though they claimed their beliefs were steadfast.

“Taking part in other religious beliefs is not allowed in Islam. It is not about your individual faith but about the action,” he said.