Media Statement by Peter Hee:
Due to TVS not wanting to change a Christmas song, the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) made a decision to not partake in the “A Christmas Carol , Sarawak In Diversity Programme” happening on the 3rd of December, 2023, at Kuching.
I sincerely ask for the Premier of Sarawak to look into this case as soon as possible. The so-called ‘Religious elements’ in the song ‘O Holy Night’ did not trigger other religions to break into a fight. With that being said, there are no reasons to reject airing the song on TV. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this special day. So if there is no christianity, how did Christmas exist?
Our Premier of Sarawak — YAB Abang Johari will be present for the event, so I deeply believe that this programme will have full support of GPS. And because of that, I, again, request YAB Abang Johari to look into this case and resolve whatever problems there are.
The organiser’s reason for refusing to change the song is completely unacceptable based on religious elements and regulations from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), which is at the level of the Film Censorship Board of Malaysia.
Instead of passing the problem to the Federal Government of Malaysia and blaming them for it, I hope our Premier can settle this case fairly.
Everyone knows that Sarawak has the absolute rights to its religious beliefs, absolutely no extremists will be allowed to cause trouble! We demand equality for all religions! Christmas is for Christians, and we should treat everyone and every religion with full due respect.
I hereby represent DAPSY Sarawak to stand with the Association of Churches Sarawak. We 100% support ACS’ decision.
