CFM Press Statement - Forced Conversion of Orang Asli

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA

(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)

Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 146, Fax: (03) 7957 1457

Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk

9 August 2010

CFM CONCERNED OVER “FORCED” CONVERSIONS OF THE ORANG ASLI PEOPLE

The Christian Federation of Malaysia is very concerned by the allegations of “forced” conversions of the Orang Asli people as reported by Aljazeera in their news item entitled "Malaysia ethnic tribes 'forced to convert'" (see http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/08/2010886496589764.html)

Every Malaysian has the right to choose his or her religious beliefs based on personal conviction as guaranteed under Article 11 of our Federal Constitution.

The allegations that “facilities and easy access into the villages” will be gained by conversions in the report should be investigated fully so that any wrong-doings by persons or organisations may be brought to light and stopped immediately.

Any development programme of the Government to lift Malaysians out of poverty should be without strings attached. Whilst we note that the Malaysian Department of Orang Asli Affairs (JHEOA) has stated that “development program such as electricity, water supply, housing and other basic infrastructure given to Orang Asli communities are based on their need and not their religion”, yet we see in the video clip that those who converted received new homes and enjoy modern amenities while those who don't continue to live in their huts.

We believe that the promotion of conversions-in-name to gain “facilities and easy access to villages”, if true, is an abuse of executive powers (which ought to be exercised for the public good) for insidious sectarian purposes. Ultimately, such practices would tend to create a community lacking in integrity and true freedom of choice where people are encouraged to compromise their beliefs, culture and identity by means of economic duress and inducements.

Bishop Ng Moon Hing,

Chairman and the Executive Committee

The Christian Federation of Malaysia

Uniting The Generations - A National Call to Pray and Fast

This year the NECF Malaysia's 40 Day of Fasting and Prayer focuses upon Uniting The Generations (August 8th - September 16th). Information are available on how you can participate in this call at;

NECF Malaysia 40 Day of Fasting and Prayer

Prayer Booklets can be downloaded in different languages for your personal use.

Join up on Facebook here;

Facebook 40 Day

Have an blessed time seeking the Lord's blessings upon our beloved nation.

Combined City Wide Prayer Meeting

There will be a combined City Wide Prayer Meeting at Hope of Kuching Church this Friday (6th of August 2010) at 7.45PM. Contact Pastor Rodney Archil for details at Zero One Three 8165677.

The KMF's Retreat

The recent KMF Retreat that was held in Lundu proved to be a great time for pastors and leaders to reconnect and refocus on common grounds of our live and ministries in Kuching and the suburbs. It was certainly a refreshing time as 15 leaders came together to pray, fellowship, plan and set goals for our fellowship this year. There was deep sense of unity within those present at all times. I thoroughly enjoyed the times both inspirational as well as the light candid moments. There were ample of food too as durians and langsat were in season around those kampungs nearby.

Malaysian Church Firebombed

A Malaysian church, Metro Tabernacle A/G in Kuala Lumpur was firebombed last night following insistense of the Government that the word 'Allah' cannot be used by Christians in Malaysia. The issue of language and freedom of religion was fought in the courts of law have brought much tension within the Church.

In the light of this development, please pray without ceasing for freedom of religion, peace and harmony within multi-cultural Malaysia. Pray for the authorities that they will be just, righteous and not held hostage by small terrorists. Forgive those who trespass againts the Church, love unconditionally as the Lord Jesus taught us.

KMF Retreat 18-20th January 2010

The KMF will be having it's first Leadership Retreat of the year in Lundu/Sematan on the 18th - 20th January 2010. The KMF Retreats have always been a great time of refreshing as pastors/ministry leaders come together seeking God as well as fellowship. We covet prayers of church members in Kuching as we deliberately go away for such a time as this. For KMF members, kindly contact Pastor Rodney Archil (Zero One Three 8165677) if you need more information about this retreat.

First KMF Prayer Meeting of the Year

Happy New Year to all of you. This morning the 12 local pastors from Kuching attended our first breakfast/prayer meeting of the year. We had a wonderful time of fellowship and breakfast before the meeting. David Cheng led us in worship and there was a tremendous anointing upon the entire meeting. Prophetic words were released in the midst and pastors prayed for each other and consecrated themselves before the Lord for the new season.