Anglican Communion News Service

Press Conference for the Installation of the Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia

All Saints' Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am deeply grateful that you have responded to my invitation.

This press conference gives me the opportunity to inform you and the public concerning the installation of the 2nd Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church in South East Asia. This will take place on 22nd February 2000 at 4.00 p.m. at All Saints' Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu. This is the first time such a big event happens in Sabah for the Anglican Church which has a history of almost 150 years.

This event will bring into Sabah almost 200 overseas guests from UK, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and the South-East Asian Nations. It is confirmed that Deputy CM Datuk Tham Nyit Shen and Datuk Wilfred Bumburing as well as other local dignitaries, and church leaders shall be here with all our local and outstation church members and leaders. The Chief Minister Datuk Osu Sukam and our first City Mayor Datuk Ghani Rashid shall also grace the occasion during the celebration dinner at the Magellan Hotel and Spa at 7.30 p.m. on 22nd February 2000.

The retiring Archbishop of South-East Asia, the Most Revd. Dr. Moses Tay of Singapore Diocese shall be at the Installation Service to instal me to be the 2nd Archbishop of the Province which has jurisdiction over Malaysia, Brunei, Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand for the Anglican work in these countries. So, during the next four years I shall be concerned with the spiritual life and values of Sabahans as well as people of these countries both ecclesiastically and socially.

As Archbishop of this Province, I shall be deeply concerned for the welfare of the people in this region, which consists of over 360 million people. My duties shall carry myself and my wife, Julia to visit the countries and peoples of this Province. As Archbishop, their concerns are my concerns their troubles are my troubles. I pray to the Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ to grant me greater capacity of His love to love these teeming millions, particularly those troubled countries and people who are living under tremendous suffering and pressure of a fast changing life in this region during this new millennium.

In the global context, I shall also interact with the world-wide Anglican Communion as well as other interested groups on issues that are deep in the hearts of all who desire for peace and true progress.

I am thinking of some of the moral and social issues which the people in this region are facing with the fast changing life pace, and the pressures people face with modernity and materialism. Imagine what our young people face and what our young children face under such fast changes. My wife and I are deeply concerned for the family and the changes of values, which affect the youth and young children of the Asian families.

Moreover, as the new Archbishop I am deeply concerned for the church to be part of our Society which can make contribution to build up our nation and society. For example, the Gospel of Jesus Christ enshrines certain eternal spiritual values, which has some connection with every man and every woman, young people and children in every society and every country. I, as the Servant of God shall do my utmost to bring about a more wholesome society which will conform to the will of God, and which brings into the society the caring aspect of human life as people are transformed and touched by God's love.

I, as the Servant of God and citizen of Malaysia will do my utmost to bring glory and honour to the Almighty God and to my country and the neighbouring countries under my jurisdiction as Archbishop.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, thank you once again for your co-operation today and the publication of this news item.