Prelate welcomes diplomatic relations between Holy See, Malaysia
July 20, 2011
Malaysia’s leading prelate is lauding the recent meeting between Pope Benedict and the nation’s prime minister following an agreement to open formal diplomatic relations.
“The voice of moderation--Prime Minister Najib Razak--met the voice of peace, justice, human rights, the reasonableness of faith, who is the Holy Father Benedict XVI,” said Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur. “I am very happy for this meeting and its outcome, and I hope it will bear abundant fruit. I hope that it can have major success and a positive impact in our country.”
Archbishop Pakiam called for “the establishment of a [government] ministry for non-Muslims” and a reexamination of “the issues of education and Catholic schools which, over the years have been nationalized by the government.”
The nation of 27.7 million is 60% Muslim, 19% Buddhist, 6% Hindu, 6% Protestant, and 3% Catholic.
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Further information:
- The Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur: "a meeting between the voice of moderation and the voice of peace" (Fides)
- Malaysia agrees to open diplomatic relations with Holy See (CWN, 7/18)
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