KUALA LUMPUR (June 21, 2007): The majority of Muslims in the country are not ready for open dialogue on religious issues, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said. "Our intention is to have dialogues. However, religious issues are something sensitive. Dialogues need (the communication) of both sides.
"If the majority of Malaysian Muslims do not want to take part (in dialogues), we can't do anything more. So we can only continue (with) our efforts without inciting any sensitive feelings by holding closed-door dialogues," he said in reply to Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong) in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today.
Nazri also took Chow to task for accusing the prime minister of double standards on inter-religious and cultural dialogue by saying one thing in the international arena and taking a different stand at home.
"In foreign countries, the premier does not have (decisive) power. He can only propose something. And the matter of sensitivity does not arise abroad, so he is free to say anything as it will not offend anyone.
"At home, although he has power, there is religious sensitivity (that should be taken care of). In our history, there was racial clash. Therefore, we have to be extra cautious," he said.
"Accusing the premier as having double standards is not only incorrect, but also unfair and disrespectful to the head of the government. This question was intentionally asked by the Opposition to fish votes."
Earlier, Nazri said the premier and other cabinet ministers had meetings to discuss issues concerning Malaysians who have different religious and cultural background from time to time.
"We hold closed-door dialogues. Having debates openly in newspapers is not the choice for the government. The closed-door dialogues do not mean that they are less efficient than open dialogues."
On a supplementary question from Baharum Mohamad (BN-Sekijang) who said he was "offended" by Chow's question, Nazri said many other Malay Muslims out there shared the same feeling.
"I hope the opposition will be careful in raising questions like this. We practise democracy so we allowed this question. Next time, you must be careful," he said to cheers from some backbenchers.
That whole article came from the web edition of the sun dated 21 June 2007. Other comments can be read from Mr Chow's and Marina Mahathir's rantingsbymm blogs.
When will this 'not ready' policy end? Till kingdom come I guess if the present hold on to power. The silent majority must speak up, or else our fate will forever be dictated by these enlightened members of parliament...
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