Dompok’s Vatican appointment a great honour

THE Yang diPertuan Agong’s appointment of Tan Sri Bernard Dompok (pic) as Malaysian first ambassador to the Vatican is a blessing for the Christian community in the country.

It is also a special Easter gift for the community.

Dompok’s appointment is most fitting as he has vast experience and is qualified to be a diplomat. His services to the country, community and religion have been enormous.

It is also a great honour for the Kadazan community of Sabah.

The relationship between the Vatican City and the Christian community in the country dates back to more than 500 years when Malacca was ruled by Portugal.

Malacca was then one of the world’s greatest ports and the relationship between the Vatican and Malacca flourished, as stated in Portuguese historical records.

All churches in Malaysia must welcome and celebrate Dompok’s appointment as ambassador to the Vatican. .

The Malacca Portuguese community wishes to congratulate Dompok, his family and the Kadazan community on this momentous occasion, more so during this week of great significance for Christians as they herald the Easter celebrations.

The appointment of Dompok comes a year since the Vatican appointed Nuncio Joseph Marino as its first ambassador to Malaysia.

Nuncio Joseph Marino visited the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca last year.

We in the community hope that Dompok would also visit the Portuguese Settlement, the custodians of the Catholic faith in Malaysia.

I strongly believe that with Dompok at the Vatican religious problems in our country can be resolved amicably.

JOSEPH STA MARIA

Malacca

(Joseph Sta Maria is a Portuguese community activist and a representative of Malacca’s minority communities in the state government’s Pembela agency)