Malaysia's Culture Minister denies banning carols with references to Jesus; instead, he invites "everyone" to be part of the festivities.

Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) – Hymns with references to Jesus will be allowed during public celebrations of Christmas scheduled for December 25 in the presence of King Syed Sirajuddin (see photo) and Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.

During the mega Christmas Party in Petaling Jaya, Christmas carols such as Silent Night and Joy to the world will be performed.

The event is promoted by the Malaysian government and the Christian Federation of Malaysia as a sign of the nation's unity.

Fr Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Herald, interdiocesan paper based in Kuala Lumpur , told AsiaNews that the government gave the go-ahead to Christmas carols with references to Jesus contradicting Father OC Lim who, in a letter, had called the alleged ban ", scandalous and sacrilegious" for it would have downgraded Christmas to a mere cultural event.

In an interview with the New Strait Times Malaysia's Culture Minister Rais Yatim said that the controversy has been overcome. "Some quarters," he said, "have tried to say that the government is imposing restrictions and prohibitions. To this, I say: Attend the Christmas party in PJ [Petaling Jaya] on Dec 25. Then talk."

Still bitter over the whole incident, the Minister added that "hurting people is easy. Healing wounds takes a long time." None the less, he stressed that December 25 "will be a day of celebration" and urged "all Malaysians" to participate in the Christmas party.

Malaysia's bishops welcomed the government's statement and said they would participate in the festivities scheduled on Christmas day and highlighted the nation's motto: Unity is strength.

In their Christmas message, the bishops pointed out that "the philosophy of 'unity is strength' can only be successful when it is coupled with the philosophy of 'unity in diversity'" which enriches rather than limits.

Culture Minister Rais Yatim went further and said that 'religious tolerance' was recognised in Malaysia's supreme law. "Although Islam is the official religion," he said, "the Constitution recognises the right to embrace and practice one's faith. By recognising this, each person [. . .] can live harmoniously, with respect for each other's faith."

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