OF VAMPIRES AND OTHER FANATICS

The real vampires who are not scared of any physical, spiritual, or surreal being/objects would be those who have an inherent desire to cast aspersions in the minds of Malaysians.

Maryann DeSouza

Let’s get this straight. Vampires do not exist. Long gone are the days of Christopher Lee and Dracula when the sight of a small wooden cross would terminate and vaporize any blood-sucking vampire.

Fast forward to the present.

Contrary to what some fanatics believe, the sight of a cross affixed to a shop house does not have the spiritual power to challenge other religions nor can it sway the faith of youth.

The recent furore about the cross at the Taman Medan church shop house has many lessons for all Malaysians regardless of class, creed, or colour.

The Protestors 

1. Use formal channels of communication and communicate amicably without being confrontational.

2. Explore all avenues of mediation before taking any action that can have adverse effects.

3. Show exemplary behaviour by not adopting the protest culture.

4. Always show respect to all irrespective of class, creed, or colour.

5. Be practical in all areas of belief and refer to the Iman or Koran for guidance instead of being led astray by any ignorant party/person or those who may have good intentions but wrong methodology.

The Christians

1. God does not see the size of crosses or buildings but the size of the space in our hearts and lives for Him.

2. The bigger the cross or the lack of one does not reflect the depth or strength of one’s faith.

3. Always obey the laws in our country as taught in Romans 13: 1-5:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

4. Be sensitive to the feelings and beliefs of fellow Malaysians.

5. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that love does not insist on our own way.

6. Compliance is not an act of weakness. It takes strength of character to give up our small ambitions in respect of the laws or feelings of others as long as it does not compromise our faith.

7. Watch out for demonstrations of faith that is meaningless in the eyes of God but accent on works of faith by being kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving to each other.

8. Forgive, forget, move on, and be wiser.

9. Let the leaders mediate and bring peace to this nation.

Media

1. Do not amplify a very delicate situation by reporting or increasing the intensity and frequency of articles/reports in websites.

2. Aim to defuse the situation as a news organization that can reach thousands of Malaysians at any one second.

3. Be an instrument of peace, not war.

4. Report fairly and objectively.

Authorities

1. Please continue to ensure our country thrives in peace and harmony.

2. Increase monitoring of extremism and take action when required.

3. Address issues promptly and firmly to stem the problem as soon as possible.

4. Update via official channels and centralize all messages so that conflicting statements by authorities never arise.

Malaysians

1. Do not politicize the whole scenario.

2. Be on guard so that our words unite and not divide; inspire and not provoke.

3. Do not blame or judge any one/party or group but leave it to the authorities to deal with it.

4. Have faith in our government and the Prime Minister who has spoken clearly and firmly on this.

Share and comment in social media only if there be any virtue, worth, positive value or purpose in comments. Otherwise, the less said, the better.

Hence, the real vampires who are not scared of any physical, spiritual, or surreal being/objects would be those who have an inherent desire to cast aspersions in the minds of Malaysians. No religious symbol or ritual can heal them for they have to answer to their Maker.

In the mean time, may peace envelope this nation.