'There have been other low points. But this low point is especially significant. It strikes at the heart of religious freedom and our diverse society.'
Church fire-bombings: 'Remember this day'
Azmil Tayeb: It is very unfortunate for Malaysia to start the New Year with incidents of hatred, ill-will, anger and delusion. It does not look like this year will be a year of recovery for the economy. The whole world now knows about these unbelievable incidents.
David Dass: We have crossed the divide. This is a low point in our history as a nation. There have been other low points - May 13, Kerling , Operasi Lalang, the BMF (Bumiputra Malaysia Finance) scandal and the killing of its auditor, the sacking of the judges , the forex trading losses, Kampong Medan, etc...
But this low point is especially significant. It strikes at the heart of religious freedom and our diverse society. It demonstrates the mob's total disregard for the rule of law and democracy. The government's action and inaction would have encouraged the extremists on the fringes of our society. A non-Muslim judge was vilified.
How do we repair the damage? Where do we go from here. Are we a multi-religious society where freedom of worship is guaranteed? Are all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, equal under the law and enjoy the equal protection of the law? Is the constitution the supreme law of the country and are we governed by the rule of law?
Ko Pi Ior: Mr Prime Minister, I, as a Muslim, felt very humiliated by this uncivilised act. This is not the Islam that I embraced. A lot of damage has been done. Your supporters in Umno and your counterparts in other component parties in BN have totally failed to transform and reinvent themselves and their parties.
Instead they continue peddling and playing on religious chauvinism and racial sentiments to perpetuate their hold on power and to covet corrupt money. Your outmoded but rewarding ways is at the expense of the nation and the people.
What has happened is indeed a cause of grave concern to all Malaysians. The fact that it did happen, and was allowed to happen without proper precautionary and pre-emptive measures being taken, is a matter of great regret.
Samraj Vejjaveda: In the words of HG Wells: ‘The true strength of rulers and empires lies not in armies and navies, but in the belief of men that they are inflexibly open and truthful and legal. As soon as government departs from that standard, it ceases to be anything more than ‘the gang in possession' and its days are numbered.'
Mythots: We do not blame all the Muslims in this country. We want the authorities to apprehend the culprits involved in this act and to have them face the music quickly. We hope the authorities do not allow this simmering pot to boil over and cause more havoc. God gave us a blessed land with enough riches for everyone. Let us learn to enjoy the fruits of this blessed land.
Police report lodged against The Herald
Tony: Isn't this a provocation? At a time when the situation should be handled with care and sensitivity, these juveniles are trying to stir it further. These morons want to imitate the home minister or what?
Nicholas L: Rise up, brothers and sisters in East Malaysia. It is time for you to throw off the yoke of Umno colonialism. Reclaim your rights, your lands, your resources, your religions and your future.
Freedom is yours to win or lose, make your votes count at the ballot box. Show the hypocritical Westerners that the true 1Malaysians resides in the East. And most importantly, each and every Easterner should ask themselves - what kind of future do you want for your beloved children? Is it a future where your children are masters of their own destiny? Or is it a future where your children are enslaved?
Wong Weng Heng: All these intolerant actions and provocations only give a bad name to the faith these perpetrators practice. This is a definite indicator as to how insecure one is about one's own faith. It is certainly disappointing and very immature. This great faith used to be one of the most advanced civilisations in the past.
Joanna Chee: I know of many investors who give Malaysia a miss. It is this nonsensical and immature mindset that gives Malaysia its bad image.
Sabah politician sees fire bombings as end game
Mikeo: Well said, Jeffrey Kitingan. Why the deafening silence from the other politicians of Sabah and Sarawak? Are they are scared of Umno and their bullying tactics? Or worried about leaving their comfort zones? Or just happy with the handouts from BN-Umno?
Wake up. The mainland Christian community is seeking to protect your century-plus old usage of the word ‘Allah' and from having your churches torched.
Maggie Lim: Well done, Jeffrey. It's time you lead the people of Sabah and Sarawak out of this raw deal. Save Sabah and Sarawak before they divide you beyond repair. I know the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Of all the races, they live in the greatest harmony. Let this continue and not be destroyed.
Abot naros: Dear Sabahans and Sarawakians, arise from your slumber. The house is on fire. The light is shining. Sleep no more. Awake and do what you must do. Time is no more. See the greed, the evil, the corruption. Get rid of the filth. The destiny of Malaysia is in your hands.
Nicholas Lim: Now is the time to spark a grassroots movement ala Hindraf among the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, of all races and religions. Unite and resist the colonisation of Peninsular Malaysia.
Even here in the Peninsula, many Malays are still shell-shocked over the fire bombing of the churches. This is not the Malay way. It is a group of extremists fighting for their political survival who are playing the racial-religious card. Many Malays were initially taken in by these extremists, but now, I think they are beginning to realise the dangers of Umno's end game and starting to shy away. Nobody likes terrorism.
I urge Sabah and Sarawak to unite and at the same time extend the hand of friendship towards the Malaysians of Semenanjung. Show them that we are one big family. Show them we are the true 1Malaysia.
Kgan: Your resources have been exploited to the hilt, but Sabah and Sarawak are still among the poorest states in the country. To add insult to injury, they are called BN's ‘fixed deposit' in Parliament. The firebombings of the churches have incinerated 1Malaysia.
Anwar4PM: Ex-PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi gave us empty promises. Current PM Najib Abdul Razak gives us empty slogans.
