The Star on the Valentine Fatwa - 13 February 2011 newspaper

To:
1. The Editor, The Star - editor@thestar.com.my
2. Shaila Koshy - koshy@thestar.com.my

Hello to you both,

:-) I read with glee this morning the 2 articles that appeared in your fine newspaper - Good sense, moderation must be at our core, and Build respect and tolerance. Good writing, especially these parts:-

On one level, those who would implicate another faith in encouraging permissive behaviour had better check their facts first.

On yet another level, those who want others to respect their religious obligations also need to respect the obligations of others. That cannot happen when ultras pounce on what they (albeit wrongly) regard as a religious occasion of another community.


There is also the matter of the fatwa dated Nov 22-24, 2005, on the Jakim website regarding Valentine’s Day having elements of Christianity, which is just plain wrong (http://www.e-fatwa.gov.my/fatwa-kebangsaan/hukum-orang-islam-menyambut-perayaan-valentines-day). One could easily infer from the fatwa that Christianity leads to immoral behaviour.

These guidelines and fatwa couldn’t be more compelling reasons for Najib to establish a National Inter-faith Council to thrash out misconceptions.

Big cheer to you both :-)
*clap clap clap*
Very good use of column inches. Expect many letters in the coming days *yay*

The mention of "Inter-faith Council" - WHOA!!! Seriously hard-hitting stuff
:-D

Anyway, enough merriment on a Sunday. I wish you a very "Happy Valentine" tomorrow. Chaste, (and not too expensive) preferably
;-)

Jason Kay
Melaka
13 February 2011