Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur(USKUP AGUNG KUALA LUMPUR)

528, Jalaln Bukit Nanas, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel:603-2078 8828 I 2078 5089 / 2072 6606

Fax:603-2031 3815Email: archbishop @ archkl.org

Website: www.archkl.org

..HARI MERDEKA'' AND ,'HARI MALAYSIA'' 2016

Brothers and Sisters,

We celebrate our lndependence Day this year with the theme 'sehoti Seiiwo' (One Heart, One Soul)

to enhance a spirit of patriotism and love for our country.

The multi-cultural and multi-religious fabric of our Malaysian society is what makes us unique in the

eyes of the world. The harmony and understanding among the various races binds us together as one

people. As we commemorate our National Day, let us recommit ourselves to further develop and

strengthen the unity and understanding between the races with trust and respect for one another.

However, our nation is facing racially and religiously motivated forms of polarisation. This must not

be allowed to gain ground. Let us reject whatever form of hindrances that is detrimental to the

country's solidarity.

ln this connection, it is incumbent upon lawmakers, civil leaders and implementers of the law to

uphold the principles of the Rukun Negora and the sacrosanctity of the Federal Constitution in

ensuring that the people strive towards a common and shared destiny of building a just and free

nation.

Meanwhile for us as citizens, the spirit of patriotism and love for our country must impel us to speak

out courageously against the ills besetting our country and to make sacrifices when called upon. We

must act charitably and constructively for the good of our country.

Strategies for growth and progress can only be significant if they are steered towards national unity

with a spirit of love and patriotism. We need bridges and networks to connect with people of all

levels so as to deliver a change of mind-set in favour of inter-racial solidarity, religious tolerance and

mutual up building. Let us place our country and society above individual and political interest and

enthuse a culture of peace by intensifying our Iinkages of friendship and fostering goodwill and

harmony so that all Malaysians can live and prosper together as one integrated nation, enriched by

our ethnic and cultural diversities. United we stand, divided we fall. (cf. Mk 3:24)

The Church exhorts its members to "cultivate a generous and loyal spirit of patriotism but withoutbeing narrow-minded, always direct their attention to the good of the whole human family, united by

the different ties which bind together races, people and nations". (75,Gaudium et Spesl

lnterfaith dialogue plays an important role in our nation-building process. lt provides a platform forreconciliation and for promoting unity and acceptance among the country's pluralistic society.Recognising the imperative need for dialogue, its aim is to increase understanding and resolve conflictin order to develop a more harmonious interaction between the religious communities. lt is

noteworthy that Church leaders and lay people in the parishes are doing their part in achieving thisaspiration.

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Nevertheless, while acknowledging the country's advancement in many sectors, we cannot be

oblivious to several critical issues affecting our nation. These include the controversial NotionolSecurity Council (NSC) Act 20L6 which is perceived as being contrary to democratic norms, the volatilefinancialsituation with a high cost of living aggravated by excessive levies, retrenchment of workers,corruption and wastages and particularly the lMDB affair. These problems need to be resolvedurgently in the interest of the country. The Government must carry out its obligation with a greatersense of accountability, transparency and integrity.

We are also extremely concerned and disturbed by the acts and all form of threats of terrorismthroughout the world. Many innocent people including children have been slain and many moreinjured as a result of horrendous and indiscriminate attacks. The kidnapping of Malaysians off theeast coast of Sabah for huge ransom and the merciless killings of victims by militants have caused

much fear and anguish to theirfamilies and the general public. These acts of violence are in fact crimesagainst humanity and ought to be condemned. Let us all be vigilant and cooperate in combating theseinhuman acts for the safety of our nation.

The strength of a nation is determined by how it regards the weakest in society, which may wellinclude the little children, the elderly, the disabled, the poor and needy, the sick, the lonely and even

the unemployed. "Any society, any nation is judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members-the last, the least, the littlest", according to Cardinal Roger Mahony in a letter titled, Creating o Cultureof Life (1998). Our potency as a nation will be measured by the compassion we have for theunderprivileged, the destitute, the infirm and those struggling with disabilities.

Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation,Joy of the Gospel, highlights that, "We have to remember,the majority of our contemporaries are barely living from day to day with dire consequences. A

number of diseases are spreading. The hearts of many people are gripped with fear and desperation.The joy of living frequently fades, lack of respect for others and violence are on the rise and inequalityis increasingly evident." (Evangelii Gaudium, 52)

The Pope emphasizes a financial reform that requires "a change of approach on the part of politicalleaders" and he reminds the rich that they much help, respect and promote the poor. "Money mustserve not rule," says the Pontiff. (Evangelii Goudium, SS)

The Holy Father underscores that love for one another must motivate Christians to share the gospelmessage, help the poor and work for socialjustice.

The process of nation building is on-going and requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice in orderto achieve the target of becoming a peaceful and developed nation. Therefore, we exhort all ourfaithful to be engaged in the nation's holistic development, guided by the social and moral teachingsof the Church.

May the spirit of 'Sehati Sejiwo' inspire the leaders of our nation and all its people of diverse races andcultures to make Malaysia a truly united, harmonious and progressive nation.

On these auspicious occasions of Hari Merdeka and Hari Malaysia, we pray for the well-being of ourKing, all political and civil leaders at the Federal and State levels and for all the peoples of Malaysia.May God bless our country with peace and prosperity.

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SEIAMAT MENYAMBUT HARI MERDEKA DAN HARI MALAYSIA!

r*ffi*Most Reverend Julian Leow Beng Kim, D.D.

Archbishop of Kuala LumpurPresident, Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia on behalf of:

Most Reverend Dato John Ha

Most Reverend John WongRt. Reverend Sebastian Francis

Rt. Reverend Bernard Paul

Rt. Reverend Datuk Cornelius Piong

Rt. Reverend Datuk Julius Dusin GitomRt. Reverend Richard Ng

Rt. Reverend Joseph Hii

(Archbishop of Kuching)(Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu)(Bishop of Penang)(Bishop of Melaka-Johor)(Bishop of Keningau)(Bishop of Sandakan)(Bishop of Miri)(Bishop of Sibu)