Protect and defend rights of all, urges CCM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Council of Churches of Malaysia has joined the growing chorus of voices around the world expressing concern over the worsening situation of the Rohingya in Myanmar.

Its general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said as churches, they affirmed that every person was precious in the sight of God, and whose life and security must be protected and defended at all times.

“It is the duty of the government to provide security and safety for all its citizens, especially those who are targeted and persecuted because of their race and religion.

“We are also committed by our Christian conviction to lift up the voice of the voiceless and stand alongside persecuted people who are at the margins of society,” he said in a statement.

It is the duty of the government to provide security and safety for all its citizens.

Dr Shastri said in view of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis faced by the Rohingya, who have been displaced and become refugees, it was appealing to the churches in the country to hold their plight in their prayers.

“We also hope the people can contribute generously to a fund to assist in the much needed humanitarian aid carried out by church agencies in cooperation with other international agencies and local churches,” he said.

The council, said Dr Shastri, supported every attempt by the Malaysian Government, working in cooperation with the United Nations and the Myanmar government, to protect, defend and restore the security of those displaced and their eventual safe return in conditions of dignity and peace.

Rev Dr Hermen Shastri