Author Archives: Ken Wong

It was an auspicious day for the parishioners of St Thomas More as one of their home grown boys answered the call of vocation to the ‘Priesthood.

Nicholas Hoh Jeng Kin was ordained a priest of the Order of Discalced Carmelite (OCD) on January 31, 2018 by Archbishop Julian Leow. He chose the theme The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end (Lam 3:22).

More than 50 priests concelebrated in this joyous occasion with the faithful coming from near and far, including friends and family members of Fr Hoh.

The Rite of Ordination began after the Gospel Reading. He was presented by Fr John Chua OCD to Archbishop Leow.

“Understand, therefore, what you do, and imitate what you celebrate. As a celebrant of the mystery of the Lord’s death and resurrection, strive to put to death whatever is sinful within you and to walk in newness of life,” said Archbishop Leow in his homily.

“When you gather men and women into the people of God through Baptism, when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church in the sacrament of Penance, when you comfort the sick with holy oil and celebrate the sacred rites, when you offer prayers of praise and thanks to God throughout the hours of the day, not only for the people of God but for the whole world, always remember that you are taken from among men and appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God.

“Therefore, carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ,” he added.

Then the examination of candidate commenced. This included the Promise of the Elect, Promise of Obedience, Litany of Supplication, Laying on of Hands, and the Prayer of Ordination.

Once he was ordained, Fr Hoh was invested with the stole and chasuble. His hands were then anointed with Holy Chrism by Archbishop Leow and he was given the Bread and Wine followed by the fraternal kiss by the Archbishop.

In his speech, Fr Hoh thanked the parishioners of St Thomas More who worked tirelessly during the whole month of January to make this day a memorable one.

“This is truly a memorable event for myself and it was so nice to see everyone who gave it their all, right up to the very last minute preparations. Thank you all,” he said.

Parish Priest of St Thomas More, Fr Raymond Pereira, in his speech said that Fr Hoh’s late mother, always wished her son would join the priesthood.

“When Fr Hoh’s mum was alive, she always told me that she wanted her son to join the priesthood under The Discalced Carmelites (OCD) and, today, her prayers are finally answered,” he said.

Archbishop Leow annouced that Fr Hoh would serve in the house of the Friars of the Order of Discalced Carmelite in Seremban.

Fr Hoh celebrated his first Mass at the Church of St. Thomas More on February 1, 2018 at 8.00pm.

 

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

Once ever so rarely emerges a court decision that will have a reverberating effect far beyond its own facts and parties to the case.

I speak of the January 29 decision of the Federal Court in the Indira Gandhi case.

Before the Federal Court were two important questions: (1) who has authority to decide on matters of conversion of religion – the syariah courts or the civil courts where an issue arises involving its constitutional or statutory interpretation?

(2) In such conversion cases can one parent (without the consent of the other) have the final say?
Who has jurisdiction

Justice Zainun Ali’s decision, on behalf of the Federal Court, settled once and for all the raging controversy that, in matters involving the review of any administrative (executive) action including by religious authorities, only the civil court had jurisdiction.

So, in this case where the Perak state religious authorities had issued conversion certificates (an executive action), only the civil court was empowered by the Constitution to judicially review that decision.

This power of judicial review was critical as a bulwark against unlawful legislation and executive action.

It is a “basic structure” of the Constitution which Parliament cannot abrogate or alter, even by “constitutional amendment, act of Parliament or state legislation.”

And this power cannot be conferred on the syariah courts.

“The conferment of judicial functions on bodies other than courts, thus understood, is an incursion into the judicial power of the Federation,” ruled the Federal Court.

In short, the civil courts and not the Syariah court had jurisdiction to deal with the review of such matters as the issuance of conversion certificates.

The Federal Court declared conclusively that courts cannot decline jurisdiction in any matter involving constitutional issues.

The decision provides relief to the mother, Indira, whose three children were surreptitiously and unilaterally converted to the Muslim faith by the husband — a new Muslim convert.

The children were “jockeyed” to and fro the Syariah and the civil courts as Indira sought to get her children back in her almost decade-long court battle.

The Syariah courts assumed jurisdiction and held the husband was entitled to do so.
The Court of Appeal, in a 2-1 majority decision, decided that the Syariah courts had exclusive jurisdiction to decide this issue.

As a non-Muslim, Indira cannot contest the issue in the syariah court. The Federal Court put this right stating conclusively that “(a)s the Syariah Court cannot hear the appellant’s application, we conclude that the High Court has jurisdiction. It is evident that the two courts operate on a different footing altogether. Power to review rests solely with the civil courts.”

Consent of both or one parent?
At the heart of the arguments, also, was the definition of the term “parent”.

Does it refer to one parent only — that is, the male spouse; or includes the mother as well.

The Federal Court has now made it clear.

Both the parents must consent if the child is below 18 years of age.

“The consent of both parents must be sought. The article should not be construed literally, it requires the consent of both parents. The appellant (mother), is a dominant influence in their lives. This is a serious interference in their lives, it would be a very wrong thing,” said Justice Zainun in the 99-page judgement.

As regards the basic structure doctrine, the Federal Court was, in fact, reiterating its earlier ruling in Semenyih Jaya delivered also by Justice Zainun as recently as last year, which had ruled that judicial power vests in the courts and no one else; and that this basic structure of the Constitution could not be whittled away by an act of Parliament.

It overruled an earlier Federal Court decision (of Kok Wah Kuan) which bucked the trend and held that Parliament could do as it liked by amending the Constitution. (“Affirming the judiciary’s independence”, May 1, 2017).

But, as I lament in a forthcoming article (in the Malaysian Judiciary Journal), there was a feeling that some panels of the Federal Court were ignoring this decision (Semenyih Jaya).

So, it became unclear whether this decision would be bestowed the cause celebre status it deserved; or be marginalised as a case of judicial over-reach.

Mercifully, my doubts – shared by a good segment of the profession — have been laid to rest.

At another level, Justice Zainun retires later this year.

This saddens the profession and me personally.

I was her lecturer at the Law Faculty of the University of Malaya.

She bestows judgments with a masterly analysis that cuts through textual language, aligning them with contemporary understanding and core fundamental societal values.

As illustrated by her dissent in Sandah’s case — where Her Ladyship upheld the right of natives to their traditional land rights. (“A blow to indigenous rights,” Jan 22.)

As well as her dissent in the “Allah” case (ban of the use of the word “Allah” in a publication) and Kugan’s case (where she said exemplary damages may be awarded for breach of constitutional duty).

Her scholarship, ever so eloquently expressed, will be sorely missed. As will her presence on the bench of the Federal Court.

— Gurdial Singh Nijar is an advocate and solicitor and presently a legal consultant at the law firm Sreenevasan, UNDP-GEF Project of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and UNDP-GEF Project of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre. He holds an LLB (Hons) degree from King’s College London and a Masters Law degree from the University of Malaya. He was a Law Professor at University of Malaya’s Law Faculty for 16 years.

 

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

MAJODI: The Bishops of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei have decided to give dispensation to all Catholics from abstinence on Friday, February 16, 2018 in view of the festive season of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is a time of rejoicing with family members, loved ones and friends as they usher in the new year according to the Chinese custom.

This decision was made during the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei (CBCMSB) in January.

 

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

The Sunset Mass on January 27, 2018 at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (NBVM) was celebrated by Fr Joachim Robert.

In his homily, Fr Joachim, the parish priest of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit explained why the Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday.

He said catechists echo the Word of God and the teaching of the Lord. When we do it, we are spreading the Word of God to one another. We must experience Jesus and the Word of God in our lives in order to echo it to others.

Jesus speaks with authority. Jesus is the face of our Father’s mercy. Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach wisely and with authority.

Calling all to be catechists, Fr Joachim reiterated, “Be a disciple, be a catechist for Jesus.” He said good catechists must have a spirit of gratitude and humility. Jesus humbled Himself as a slave so that we can be saved.

“We are invited to be disciples of Christ and disciples of hope to others.”

Fr Joachim ended his homily by saying, “O that today you will listen to the Lord, harden not your hearts. Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA
(PPM-003-10-14011986)
Address : 26 Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone / Fax : + 60 3 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk
2nd February 2018

As we approach the first anniversary of the violent abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh from the streets of Petaling Jaya on February 13, 2017, the Christian Federation of Malaysia urges churches and Christians to continue to look to God in prayer and to seek a closure to this dastardly act on a servant of God.

Let us in the coming days go before Almighty God to make intercession before Him that Pastor Raymond Koh may be found and be reunited with his family. Let us remember his beloved wife Susanna and his dear children Jonathan, Esther and Elizabeth in our prayers. That they be given great endurance and patience, be filled with the love of God and the peace which transcends all human understanding and find strength in their joy in the Lord is our fervent cry.

We call on the authorities to complete, with all urgency and diligence, all investigations into finding Pastor Raymond Koh and also Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth Sitepu.

Hopes that investigations by the authorities could be assisted by facts established by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) upon the conclusion of their inquiry into the abduction of Pastor Raymond Koh were dashed when the inquiry into his disappearance was brought to an abrupt halt once Suhakam was informed that a person had been charged for criminal kidnapping and abduction. Not being accompanied by any information as to the whereabouts of Pastor Raymond Koh, the arrest did not, however, alleviate the anxieties of many with regard to his well-being.

We remain, nonetheless, hopeful that as it continues to probe the disappearances of Amri Che Mat, Joshua Hilmy and his wife Ruth, Suhakam will be able to elicit facts to assuage the fears and concerns of many Malaysians struggling to understand how and why fellow Malaysians can suddenly disappear and not be found for such extended periods of time.

Signed,

Archbishop Julian Leow Beng Kim, Chairman and the Executive Committee,
The Christian Federation of Malaysia.

 

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online

KOTA KINABALU – Archbishop John Wong has accepted two seminarians to be ordained deacons on 11 March 2018 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing at 5 pm.

Russell Lawrine, 31, hails from Tenghilan.  After working for a couple of years, he entered the English Year programme (aspirancy) at the Catholic Diocesan Centre Penampang in 2008, Initiation Year Kota Kinabalu in 2011, and went on to finish his philosophical and theological studies at St Peter’s College Kuching from 2012-2017.  Currently, he is having his pastoral ministry at the cathedral.

His companion, Gilbert Marcus, 36, is the younger brother of Fr Florian.  He hails from Inobong Parish and has worked for about eight years before entering the English Year in 2010.  He was accepted into Initiation Year in 2011 along with Lawrine and some others.  He also finished his formative studies in Kuching in 2017.  He is now serving in St Michael Penampang.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU – Sacred Heart Cathedral parish here observed World Day of the Sick by celebrating the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick on Sunday afternoon, 11 Feb 2018.

Over 200 parishioners turned up for the celebration presided by Archbishop John Wong.

In his homily Abp Wong touched on the message of Pope Francis on the role of Mary as Mother and refuge of those who are sick.  He also touched on the gospel of the day – the healing of the leper out of compassion by Jesus.

Then the prelate, together with his three assistants, went among those who are sick, aged (above 70 years), terminally ill, or preparing for any major operation and anointed them on the forehead and hands.

The rite ended with a blessing-prayer (sprinkling of holy water) on those who have minor complaints or ailments.

Meanwhile, in his Angelus address at the Vatican, Pope Francis shared his reflection on the gospel.

That Jesus touches the leper is “the most disturbing fact,”  Pope Francis said. “Touching a leper meant you were infected, interiorly as well as spiritually.”

Pope Francis then made an important observation: “In this case the impurity does not flow from the leper to Jesus to transmit the disease, but from Jesus to the leper to purify him.”

Jesus’ compassion and audacity are admirable because he is consumed with “the desire to free that man from the curse that oppresses him.” In our case, it is “sin that makes us unclean.” So the Pope asked the crowd to pause and to beg the Lord for the gift of being cleansed from “the diseases of the heart from which we need to be cleansed, turning to Jesus like the leper did: ‘If you want to, you can cleanse me!’ ”

February 11 was the 26th World Day of the Sick, a commemoration instituted by St John Paul II. The World Day of the Sick takes place each year on the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The title of Pope Francis’s message for the day is “Mater Ecclesiae [Mother of the Church]: ‘Behold, your son… Behold, your mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.’“ (Jn 19:26-27)

In his letter instituting the commemoration, St John Paul wrote that the day should be “a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind.”

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

NABAWAN –  The new Suanal chapel dedicated to St Philip the Apostle here was blessed by Father Rudolf Joannes on 2 Feb 2018.

It was part of his three-day-two-night pastoral visit to the outstation community at Kg Suanal together with the Outreach Team, Holy Trinity Missionaries, Franciscan Sister Sandra Yapp, YB Datuk Ellron A Angin and his entourage.

The construction of the chapel began in August 2017 and completed in January this year through the cooperation of all the community members, the material help from Angin, Harry Ryech and KSFX parish.

Liturgical furnishing was donated by the Outreach Team, Franciscan Sisters, St Bede Nabawan BEC, Borneo Service and other individual donors.

Kg Suanal is around 6-hour ride from Keningau.  The visitors were welcomed by Justin T Ondol chairman of the Suanal BEC and 50 other BEC members.

After Mass, all adjourned for the fellowship meal below the chapel.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu

VATICAN CITY – Fourteen Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei met with Pope Francis on 8 Feb 2018, on their “ad Limina Apostolorum” Visit.

The Holy See Press Office reported on the meeting in a press release on the same day.

Altogether, the three countries have some 1,174 million Catholics: 850,000 in Malaysia; 303,000 in Singapore and 21,000 in Brunei (Wikipedia data).

The Episcopal Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei reviews the position of the Church in these countries, and also carries out activities that include youth, medical care, and means of communication.

Malaysia

 On 27 July 2011, the Holy See and Malaysia established diplomatic relations between both States.

Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the State Secretariat, celebrated Holy Mass on 24 November 2017, in the new Apostolic Nunciature of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), the day after its inauguration.

Bishops

 –Monsignor John Wong Soo Kau, Archbishop of Kota Kinabalu.

–Monsignor Cornelius Piong, Bishop of Keningau.

–Monsignor Julius Dusin Gitom, Bishop of Sandakan.

–Monsignor Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur with Archbishops Emeritus Cardinal Anthony Soter Fernandez and Monsignor Murphy Nicholas Xavier Pakiam.

–Monsignor Anthony Bernard Paul, Bishop of Melaka-Johor.

–Monsignor Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang with Bishop Emeritus, Monsignor Antony Selvanayagam.

–Monsignor Simon Poh Hoon Seng, Archbishop of Kuching.

–Monsignor Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri.

–Monsignor Joseph Hii Teck Kwong, Bishop of Sibu.

–Monsignor William Seng Chye Goh, Archbishop of Singapore.

–Monsignor Cornelius Sim, Bishop of Puzia of Numidia, Apostolic Vicar of Brunei.

 

Article reproduced from Catholic Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu