CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD PREVAILS

By Alan Ting

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- A series of incidents involving arson and
vandalism on churches left many people here shocked and saddened as they
condemned such cowardly acts.

However, across the South China Sea, in Malaysia's state of Sarawak, a
report of vandalism at the Anglican Good Shepherd Church in Lutong, Miri, was
nothing more than a mere hiccup among the different faiths which co-exist in
harmony.

In that incident early Sunday, bricks were hurled at the church.

"We have been living in harmony. It is sad (nevertheless) for such a thing
to happen if indeed, it is related to what was happening in West Malaysia.

"For all we know, this incident has nothing to do with the incidents in
Klang Valley," said parish priest Reverend Donald Juti when contacted from here.

Juti, who discovered that the church's glass windows were shattered by
several bricks, said the Sunday service went on as usual, even though some
worshippers were nervous over the incident.

"Therefore, the entire morning sermons were spent praying for peace and
softening the hearts of those behind the act of vandalism...things went on
smoothly after that," he added.

Juti said East Malaysians were able to understand and tolerate each
other, despite their different faith and race, something which is deeply rooted
among the population here.

"This church, for example, has a mosque just next to it. We have been
neighbours for a long time with no negative feelings but respect and
brotherhood," he said, adding that the An-Naim mosque was located on the
adjoining lot.

He said, even the mosque's imam visited the church upon being told of the
incident as they knew very well, such an act of vandalism would not provoke an
attack on places of worship, as opposed to some places.

"The understanding and feelings of brotherhood among local Christians and
Muslims are very much preserved. In fact, we are proud of the fact that the
An-Naim mosque and the church, located side by side, is testimony to the
existing understanding and goodwill," added Juti.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan Hong Nam said East Malaysians
were generally not easily influenced by such provocation as they were known to
be very tolerant.

"We may have some differences when it comes to certain opinions...but if
anyone tries to stir up a provocation here, I'm very sure the people here would
gang up and get them," he said.

Even Miri police chief ACP Jamaluddin Ibrahim was reported saying it was
unlikely the vandalism had anything to do with what happened in Peninsular
Malaysia.

"Please don't make any speculation or relate this incident to those
happening in West Malaysia...we are still investigating," he said.
-- BERNAMA