Press Digest - Chinese guilds, associations rally around G25

PETALING JAYA: Eighty-six Chinese associations and guilds rallied around the 25 prominent Muslims (G25) who have called for an open debate and discourse on Islamic law in the country.
At the "stand up to extremism, support moderation" meeting of Chinese groups called by Hua Zong (Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia) in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, representatives of the 86 groups passed three resolutions, one of which was an appeal to politicians, government officials and community organisations to exercise restraints in their speeches and actions, and help put a stop to all forms of extremism.
They also resolved to give their full support to the G25 in the latter's call for debate and discourse to keep Malaysia on the path of moderation, and submit their resolutions to the government in a memorandum, Sin Chew Daily reported today.
Also present at the meeting were MCA vice-presidents Datuk Lee Chee Leong and Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.
The Chinese groups said they do not wish to see certain non-governmental organisations wrongly labelling those who speak up as anti-Islam, anti-royal or anti-Malays, thus hindering the pursuit of rational solutions to issues.
"We also feel that Cabinet ministers should walk the path of moderation and refrain from making remarks that show otherwise and send the wrong messages to the people.
"We believe that NGOs which make extreme remarks constitute the minority. The government should protect the rights and ways of life of the silent majority.
"We appeal to the moderates among the various races to step forward to engage in civil discourse on pressing national issues, to snub out the spark of extremism and foster muhibbah."
The Chinese groups believed that the G25 wants to reflect the voices of the silent majority to make the country a better place to live in.
"We hope to live in a moderate and peaceful Malaysia. As such, we express our support for the G25 and appeal to the like-minded silent majority to do the same."