Bishop denounces all forms of violence in Malaysia Day message

A Catholic prelate in Malaysia urged the faithful to “say no” to all forms of violence.

In his message for Malaysia Day 2026, Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh said that domestic violence, extremism, harassment, and fundamentalism must be eliminated in society.

“I humbly appeal to all fellow Malaysians not to allow prejudice, mistrust, and violence to divide us,” he said.

The prelate, who also serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Malaysia (CBCM), emphasized how bullying and child abuse are destroying the lives of the next generation.

Archbishop Poh said that the first steps in embodying Malaysia Day’s theme “Rakyat Disantuni,” which means “People Cared For,” are to denounce violence and to come together in mutual respect.

“We welcome one another as brothers or sisters of one human family,” he said. “Let us be bridgebuilders, engaging in respectful dialogue and working for the common good of all.”

Moreover, the archbishop encouraged the faithful to pray for the King of Malaysia Ibrahim Iskandar, as well as every civil, political, and religious leader.

“May they lead with wisdom, justice, and integrity, guided by the principles of the Rukun Negara (National Principles),” he said. “We also pray that the fundamental liberties and rights of the rakyat (citizens) be safeguarded by our Federal Constitution.”

Malaysia Day is observed every 16 September to commemorate the unification of the independent states of Malay, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore in 1963, giving birth to the country of Malaysia. Singapore eventually left to become its own city-state in 1982.