The government will implement several measures to address the concerns of the Malaysian Christian community, relating to the appointment of principals of mission schools, teaching of Bible knowledge as an examination subject and tax-exemption status for Christian organisations.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Koh Tsu Koon in a statement said that these issues were decided by the Cabinet in a meeting held this morning.
He said these issues were also made known by Prime Minister Najib Razak at a luncheon hosted by him at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya for leaders of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), yesterday.
He said on the appointment of principals of mission schools, the Education Ministry would adhere to the practice of full engagement and consultation with the respective school boards concerned so that the principals appointed would be suitable and acceptable.
“On Bible knowledge as an examination subject for the SPM, it will be taught in schools after school hours, on request by parents. If no suitable teacher is available at the school concerned, then the pastor or priest from a nearby church can be recruited to conduct the class.
“On the tax-exemption status for donations to religious organisations as announced by the Prime Minister Najib Razak in the 2012 Budget speech, a proper procedure will be set up whereby donations to churches recognised and certified by the Christian Federation of Malaysia will be given tax-exemption,” he said.
The luncheon which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and 13 other Cabinet ministers was held in a cordial atmosphere, he said.
Koh said, Najib in his 2012 Budget speech, gave due recognition to the tremendous contributions by the mission schools to the development of education in the country and the wish of mission schools which were owned by the churches to maintain their tradition and ethos.
He said Najib also reiterated the support given by the government to mission schools, including a total of RM240 million allocated over the past four years, including RM100 million under the 2012 Budget.
The CFM was represented by its Chairman, Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing, who is also Head of the Anglican Church in West Malaysia. Other leaders included Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam, Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur; Catholic Archbishop John Ha of Kuching; CFM Vice-Chairmen Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng – the Chairman of the National Evangelical Council Fellowship (NECF); and Bishop Thomas Tsen – President of the Council of Churches of Malaysia; Bishop Bolly Lapok – President of the Association of Churches of Sarawak and Head of the Anglican Church in Sarawak.
– Bernama
CJMY
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