Holy Scriptures desecrated | The Micah Mandate : Mandat Mikha
Sometimes I wonder if how does our country continue to get foreign investors when issues on competent governance crops up every now and then.
For this issue, PM Najib said it was to be released but look how blatantly his words are disregarded! Whatever happened to the hierarchy of power? and since when Home Affairs became the Islamic board?
At the end of the day, it just boils down to heart. If you are not willing, you can sit there til the cow come home, yet still nothing will be done.
2011/03/28
2011/03/24
Are Christians making an unnecessary fuss over the stamping of the Alkitab?
Xavier Gomez said (and I agree):
the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein acknowledged that the Bibles were stamped, and insists that this was standard practice and not meant to deface the books. his statement is incorrect, untrue and misleading.
the Christian community and its representative bodies have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only meant for Christians. it is an escalation, interference and subjugation of Malaysian Christians and their right to conduct religious education and worship freely.
Malaysian Christians of both Protestant and Catholic persuasions are deeply hurt and outraged at the Malaysian Home Ministry’s action of desecration of over 5,100 copies of the Al-Kitab (Bible) stamped with serial numbers, government seals and warnings that the books are meant for Christians only.
it is a violation of Article 8 and Article 11 of the Malaysian Federal Constitution and the enshrined rights of Malaysian Christians to practice their faith. this is the first time in Malaysian history that Scriptures of Christians have been deemed illegal and a security threat.
any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by such action. The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising their fundamental beliefs.
that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. “it is the government that has moved the goal posts over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.” (CFM). Christians are horrified by the arrogance of the Home Ministry and its officials and the contemptuous act of defacing the Alkitab is both sacrilegos and a step towards subjugation.
such conditions that belittle Christian faith and religion and which contravene religious freedom and the federal constitution should not be allowed to become a precedent. Christianss should not be made subject to accept Muslim views on Christianity and its practice and matters of faith as normative, or link the Alkitab row to the Catholic Church’s court case on the right to use “Allah” — the Arabic word for God — in its newspaper.
the Alkitab and the “Allah” court case are separate issues; and the federal government is unauthorised to ban the Alkitab under the law. Such developments as Christianity being singled out as a threat is unacceptable, as there are no such conditions imposed on the holy books of other religions, including Islam.
the Bible detentions are not the only difficulties which churches face in resolving key religious liberty issues with government authorities. we have repeatedly encountered restrictions that ran contrary to the guarantee of religious freedom provided in the Federal Constitution.
furthermore, under the 18 Point Agreement for Sarawak in the formation of Malaysia, it is clearly stated that there is no official religion for Sarawak. therefore the detention of the Bibles at the Kuching Port is not only unconstitutional but it also violates the spirit of the agreement for Sarawak to participate in the formation of Malaysia.
it must be borne in mind then that the matter is first and foremost a matter of law. I am glad that the church in Malaysia is stirring and speaking up against what is clearly unfair and unconstitutional.
followers of Jesus Christ will never respond with violence. but we can speak up for what is true and right.Christians are called to think and act clearly, and these are times not to ‘spiritualise’ such issues, but to walk faithfully and to be unapologetically, the church.
The bible calls us to: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy.(Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).
as Dr Soo Inn Tan had recently asked in his commentary on ‘graceworks,’ “Has the church been stirred to merely speak up for her own concerns or are we committed to being agents of the Kingdom of God, speaking up on behalf of all deprived of their basic rights? “Is the church as excited about speaking up for tribal groups who have been cheated and bullied?
how about the many refugees in the land? do we even see them?” the only reason for evil to prevail is for those who know the truth to be apathetically politically-correct. now is not the time to remain silent or play church.
I want you to take a look at: Are Christians making an unnecessary fuss over the stamping of the Alkitab? | The Micah Mandate : Mandat Mikha
2011/03/23
Straight Talk: Reader's Feedback on the Recent Sex Video
Straight Talk: Reader's Feedback on the Recent Sex Video: "PKR, PR AND THE SEX VIDEO Just like the current sodomy trial, this latest Anwar sex video episode shows how polarised and close-minded peo..."
2011/03/22
Check out I did not speak out | The Micah Mandate : Mandat Mikha
I want you to take a look at: I did not speak out | The Micah Mandate : Mandat Mikha
Just wanted to share with you all, cos i found this to be especially true. We have to use our right to speak even though some component try to shut us up. Because if we don't start now, we will wake up one day and suddenly realize we cannot voice out anymore.
PLEASE USE YOUR GOD GIVEN- AND CONSTITUTIONALLY PROTECTED RIGHT TO VOICE OUT AGAINST INJUSTICES.
2011/03/18
A collection of news articles on the Malay Bible issue.
Hmm... that's just low of the government to do something of this sort no?
Seems immature to me. But what do I know? I'm only a 20-something.
Seems immature to me. But what do I know? I'm only a 20-something.
Unless someone's not been weaned off fluids.
Malaysia
1. Alkitab defaced, says Bible Society
By Debra Chong
Mar 16, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — The Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) was told today that its shipment of 5,100 Malay bibles seized at Port Klang had already been stamped with the home ministry’s official seal without its prior permission.
“At 5pm today, KDN informed Bible Society of Malaysia that they had already chopped the bibles and asked Bible Society of Malaysia to come collect the bibles,” the importer said in a statement to The Malaysian Insider, calling the home ministry by its Malay initials.
“Bible Society of Malaysia is alarmed by the defacement of the Christian bible by non-Christians chopping it with words that the Christians have not accepted or agreed to,” it added.
The BSM had earlier today refused to collect its cargo of holy books that had been detained for the last two years after the home ministry imposed two conditions for their release.
The society was stunned that home ministry officials had moved to act on their own and only notified BSM after the act, and called on the ministry to immediately put a stop to it.
“As the bible is the holy book of the Christians, due respect should be given to it by consulting the relevant Christian representative organs before any external text is inserted into the bibles.
“Bible Society of Malaysia calls upon KDN to stop chopping the copies of the Alkitab detained at Port Kelang [sic],” it said in the statement issued today.
Church leaders have stressed that they cannot follow the conditions imposed by the ministry, as it would mean desecrating their own holy book.
A separate shipment of 30,000 Malay bibles worth RM78,000 imported by the Sarawak branch of global Christian group, The Gideons, was also seized at Kuching port.
The Malaysian Insider understands that its cargo has been untouched, unlike BSM’s consignment, after the Sarawak importer told the home ministry state director to wait while it consults national Christian leaders.
The Sarawak importer had said it too was refusing to collect the Alkitab for the same reasons as the BSM.
The Malaysian Insider understands Sarawak home ministry officials had earlier contacted the importer to collect their holy books and carry out the stamping on their own.
Both importers are seeking advice from national church leaders on the matter.
BSM reminded the home ministry of its previous agreement made with the Christian community and repeated in an official letter dated December 22, 2005 “that Christians are permitted to have access to their holy book in the Bahasa Malaysia language provided that the sign of the cross and the words ‘Penerbitan Kristian’ are respectfully imprinted by Christians themselves”.
The society urged the home ministry to honour that agreement.
Yesterday, the importers each received a notice from the home ministry’s Publications Control and Quranic Text Division secretary, Datuk Zaitun Ab Samad, informing them of the two conditions imposed for the release.
The first requires the importers to directly stamp on the cover of each of the 35,000 copies the following words: “Peringatan: ‘Al Kitab Berita Baik’ ini untuk kegunaan penganut agama Kristian sahaja. Dengan perintah Menteri Dalam Negeri.”
[In English: “Reminder: This ‘Al Kitab Berita Baik’ is for the use of Christians only. By order of the Home Minister.”]
The cover of the Alkitab would be stamped with the department’s official seal and dated as well.
The second condition requires the importers to stamp a serial number on each copy, as if to demarcate copies from the released shipment and to enable the book to be traced back to the port of import.
Malaysia
2. Church leaders accuse Putrajaya of religious bigotry
UPDATED @ 11:12:16 16-03-2011
By Debra Chong
Mar 16, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — Church leaders in Malaysia are alarmed over the home ministry’s latest directive for the conditional release of 35,000 Malay bibles and have refused to collect the holy books for the time being.
Hours after learning that Putrajaya had agreed to release their shipment of the Alkitab — as the Malay bibles are called locally — yesterday, the importers each received a notice from the home ministry’s Publications Control and Quranic Text Division secretary, Datuk Zaitun Ab Samad, informing them of two conditions for the release.
The first requires the importers to directly stamp on the cover of each of the 35,000 copies the following words: “Peringatan: ‘Al Kitab Berita Baik’ ini untuk kegunaan penganut agama Kristian sahaja. Dengan perintah Menteri Dalam Negeri.”
[In English: “Reminder: This ‘Al Kitab Berita Baik’ is for the use of Christians only. By order of the Home Minister.”]
The cover of the Alkitab would be stamped with the department’s official seal and dated as well.
The second condition requires the importers to stamp a serial number on each copy, as if to demarcate copies from the released shipment and to enable the book to be traced back to the port of import.
A copy of the faxed letter was made available to The Malaysian Insider.
The Malaysian Insider understands the Sarawak importer has refused to claim its cargo of 30,000 books seized from Kuching port and has notified the home ministry’s state director.
“It says it’s for ‘Christian use only’. But in Sarawak, we have family who are of all religions — Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist ... If we pass the Alkitab to our brother or sister who is not Muslim, if we do that, then it means we are in the wrong,” said a source close to the importer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“We cannot deface our holy bible,” the source added.
When contacted, the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) said it was seeking advice from national leaders in the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) before taking any action.
The CFM is an umbrella body that represents over 90 per cent of churches in Malaysia.
“BSM has requested CFM to study KDN 15/3 release letter which has additional conditions like marking serial no. /5100 and getting Cop Rasmi Jabatan KDN and dated,” its general secretary, Reverend Simon Wong replied in a text message.
Wong added that the society will not be making any further comments and that related queries should be directed to the CFM instead.
CFM executive secretary, Tan Kong Beng, said its executive council is holding a meeting to “review the situation” and will issue a statement once it has decided what to do.
Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) secretary-general, Dr Hermen Shastri, was outraged by the ministry’s letter and conditional release, describing it as an act of “high-handedness”.
“They are mixing up religion and policy ... It’s getting worse and worse. They are acting very high-handed. There is no more respect for other religions,” he said, and slammed Putrajaya for treating the Alkitab “like a communist book”.
“We do not accept any such conditions that belittle our religion. We are talking about the holy book here. The government has no right to impose its views of one religion on followers of another,” he told The Malaysian Insider, repeatedly.
“Who gave the order? Why do we have to put ‘Dengan perintah Menteri Dalam Negeri’ on the cover of our holy book?” he demanded, adding that the very act was a “desecration of the holy book”, which contradicted the Federal Constitution’s guarantees on freedom of religion.
“It’s as if their agenda is ‘We are telling you, you are using the Bible to convert Malays,” he said.
Shastri also slammed the de facto law minister, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, for imposing Muslim views on Christianity; and for repeatedly linking the Alkitab row to the Catholic Church’s court case on the right to use “Allah” — the Arabic word for God — in its newspaper.
The man of the cloth said the Alkitab and the “Allah” court case were separate issues; and challenged the federal government to prove the Alkitab had been banned under law.
Shastri said the ministry’s conditions showed that Christianity was “being singled out” as a threat as there were no such conditions imposed on the holy books of other religions, including Islam.
“Imagine if such conditions were imposed on the Al-Quran. I wonder how Muslims worldwide would take it?” he said and reminded the Najib administration about the incident of an American pastor who threatened to burn the Muslim holy book last year, in protest of a mosque being built near New York’s Ground Zero.
Shastri also questioned the Najib administration on its sudden move to impose the conditions requiring that the shipment bear the stamp and serial numbers.
He noted that it was the first time such an order had been given.
The home ministry had released an earlier consignment of 10,000 copies in Sarawak last Christmas Day without imposing conditions.
The Najib administration had made the order yesterday, bowing to pressure from Christian churches and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) politicians.
The Cabinet was set to discuss the issue on Friday but with the seizure of the bibles drawing protest from Christians nationwide, a majority of whom live in Sabah and Sarawak, the federal government was forced to take action ahead of Sarawak polls set to take place next month.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia, which represents 90 per cent of churches in Malaysia, has said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak made a decision to release the Alkitabs but so far, the home ministry, which controls customs, has refused to hand over the bibles.
Nazri said the 30,000 copies of the Alkitab in Sarawak will be allowed into the state.
Christians, who make up close to 10 per cent of Malaysia’s 28 million population, use Bahasa Malaysia in Sabah and Sarawak churches to preach to a multi-ethnic congregation who each have a distinctive tribal language.
But evangelical churches there, such as Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB), have crossed the South China Sea to preach to the growing number of Sarawakians and Sabahans who are settling down in the peninsula after furthering their studies or finding work here.
Yesterday, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, a Sarawakian Christian, said the government had decided on the release of the Alkitab in line with a 1982 gazette under the Internal Security Act which allows its limited and controlled importation and circulation on condition that the books are stamped: “For Christians Only.”
“Since 1982, with this gazette, there have been no problems in its implementation. As such, taking into account this fact, the government has decided to apply the 1982 gazette and release the bibles accordingly,” the statement said.
Jala said that after a careful and thorough review, the Attorney-General confirmed that the release of the bibles did not prejudice the ongoing court case of the “Allah” issue.
The minister also noted that the Sarawak government had categorically expressed its view that the impounded bibles should be released.
3. Port Klang's BM Bibles 'violated', decry importers
Aidila Razak
Mar 16, 11
Mar 16, 11
The 5,100 Malay-language Bibles which have been impounded at Port Klang for about two years, have been stamped with a Home Ministry reminder on its front pages without the consent of the importers.
According to the importer, the Bible Society of Malaysia, the Home Ministry had stamped the Bibles with words that were different from what was agreed upon between its representatives and the ministry, as stated in a letter on Dec 22, 2005.
Also stamped onto the Bibles were areas to print serial numbers.
In a statement issued late this afternoon, the importer said that it was informed that the ministry had done so when a ministry representative called them to collect the shipment.
"At 5pm today, KDN informed Bible Society of Malaysia that they had already (stamped) the Bibles and asked Bible Society of Malaysia to come collect the Bibles," it said.
Also stamped onto the Bibles were areas to print serial numbers.
In a statement issued late this afternoon, the importer said that it was informed that the ministry had done so when a ministry representative called them to collect the shipment.
"At 5pm today, KDN informed Bible Society of Malaysia that they had already (stamped) the Bibles and asked Bible Society of Malaysia to come collect the Bibles," it said.
According to the society, the ministry had stamped spaces for the serial numbers into the Bibles and the words "Al Kitab Berita Baik ini untuk kegunaan penganut agama Kristian sahaja" ('This "Al Kitab Berita Baik" is only for use by Christians only.")
'We should have been consulted'
In the 2005 letter, the society added, the ministry had agreed to allow the import of Malay-language Bibles provided that the sign of the cross and the words 'Penerbitan Kristian' (Christian publication) be embossed onto the covers by the Christians themselves.
"As the Bible is the holy book of the Christians, due respect should be given to it by consulting the relevant Christian representative organs before any external text is inserted into the Bibles," said the society.
It added that it was "alarmed" by the notification and is now urging the ministry to stop stamping the Bibles with such wordings.
An urgent letter was also faxed to the Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam urging for a negotiation of the terms of the Bibles' release that will not "mencerobohi maruah (violate the dignity) of the holy books".
Putrajaya had decided to release the Bibles from impoundment yesterday, claiming that it is upholding an 1982 Internal Security Act gazette allowing the import of Malay-language Bibles.
"As the Bible is the holy book of the Christians, due respect should be given to it by consulting the relevant Christian representative organs before any external text is inserted into the Bibles," said the society.
It added that it was "alarmed" by the notification and is now urging the ministry to stop stamping the Bibles with such wordings.
An urgent letter was also faxed to the Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam urging for a negotiation of the terms of the Bibles' release that will not "mencerobohi maruah (violate the dignity) of the holy books".
Putrajaya had decided to release the Bibles from impoundment yesterday, claiming that it is upholding an 1982 Internal Security Act gazette allowing the import of Malay-language Bibles.
It also claimed that the decision was made upon advice by the attorney-general, who said the Bibles would not impact the government's appeal against the ruling on the use of the word 'Allah' by Catholic publication The Herald
4. Bishop Paul denounces conditional release of BM Bible
Terence Netto
Mar 16, 11
Mar 16, 11
Catholic bishop Paul Tan Chee Ing has denounced the two conditions imposed by the Home Ministry for the release of detained consignments of 'Al-Kitab' as "crass forms of censorship redolent of the communist era".
The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, speaking to Malaysiakini in his capacity as titular head of the Malacca-Johor diocese, said the news of the government's release yesterday of the detained consignment was "welcome but the two conditions are plainly unacceptable".
The two conditions, conveyed by the Home Ministry to the importer of the copies in Kuching, were that each copy should carry a serial number and should be stamped 'For Christians Only'.
"The two conditions smack of crass forms of censorship redolent of the communist era when reading material was the monopoly of the reigning oligarchy," decried Bishop Paul.
"The two conditions are flatly unacceptable to Christians who are duty bound to bring the good news of salvation to all who want to listen.
"In Malaysia, we draw a line on this dissemination where Muslims are concerned because the law of the land prohibits proselytising among Muslims.
"In this respect, we defer to Caesar what Caesar has legislated but the two tacked on stipulations in this instance are egregious and flatly unacceptable."
The two conditions, conveyed by the Home Ministry to the importer of the copies in Kuching, were that each copy should carry a serial number and should be stamped 'For Christians Only'.
"The two conditions smack of crass forms of censorship redolent of the communist era when reading material was the monopoly of the reigning oligarchy," decried Bishop Paul.
"The two conditions are flatly unacceptable to Christians who are duty bound to bring the good news of salvation to all who want to listen.
"In Malaysia, we draw a line on this dissemination where Muslims are concerned because the law of the land prohibits proselytising among Muslims.
"In this respect, we defer to Caesar what Caesar has legislated but the two tacked on stipulations in this instance are egregious and flatly unacceptable."
Bishop's analogy
The shipment arrived at Kuching Port on Jan 11, but the consignee was advised against taking it out the following day as the copies contain the word 'Allah'.
The 30,000 copies, costing US$26,400, were printed in Indonesia for distribution to churches, schools and longhouses mostly in Betong and Saratok areas.
Bishop Paul described the two conditions as akin to releasing a prisoner who has been unjustifiably detained and then slapping him with a restricted residence order.
"After telling the prisoner that he is free, you tell him that he has to stay indoors between dusk to dawn," he said.
"You may as well put him back in prison," chided the prelate.
The 30,000 copies, costing US$26,400, were printed in Indonesia for distribution to churches, schools and longhouses mostly in Betong and Saratok areas.
Bishop Paul described the two conditions as akin to releasing a prisoner who has been unjustifiably detained and then slapping him with a restricted residence order.
"After telling the prisoner that he is free, you tell him that he has to stay indoors between dusk to dawn," he said.
"You may as well put him back in prison," chided the prelate.
IMPOUNDMENT OF BM BIBLES
Bishop Paul denounces conditional release of Malay Bible
Consignee won't collect Malay Bible shipment yet Nazri: BM Bible only for East Malaysia
DAP says 'No' to serial number on Malay Bible
Bibles released: BN's interests override values
Do not confuse religion with
Consignee won't collect Malay Bible shipment yet Nazri: BM Bible only for East Malaysia
DAP says 'No' to serial number on Malay Bible
Bibles released: BN's interests override values
Do not confuse religion with
5. Nazri: BM Bible only for East Malaysia
Hazlan Zakaria
Mar 16, 11
Mar 16, 11
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said that the authorities in Sarawak should not have withheld 30,000 copies of the Bible in Malay language.
Met at his office in Parliament today, Nazri said unlike West Malaysia, East Malaysia does not have state laws which bars the holy book.
Nazri, who is the de facto law minister, said that in West Malaysia, except Penang and Federal Territories, all states have laws which prohibits the use of 'Allah' and 24 other terms in any publication or printed matter that are not Islamic in nature.
Asked why the Bible in Sarawak were detained in the first place, he professed that he himself is in the dark.
"I don't know. It shouldn't have been (like this). To me la because there are no laws there in Sabah and Sarawak, no enactment. In Peninsula Malaysia cannot. Because there is an enactment," he said.
"The bibles in Sarawak shouldn't have been confiscated," he said, but stressed that the 5,100 copies of the same holy book held by customs at Port Klang were in violation of the law.
"To me if you allow the bible in port klang to be released, then what you are doing is against the law because these are Indonesian bibles and I know for sure they use the word Allah as a reference to God, which is against the enactments in the Peninsula states except for Penang and Federal Territories," argued Nazri.
Met at his office in Parliament today, Nazri said unlike West Malaysia, East Malaysia does not have state laws which bars the holy book.
Asked why the Bible in Sarawak were detained in the first place, he professed that he himself is in the dark.
"I don't know. It shouldn't have been (like this). To me la because there are no laws there in Sabah and Sarawak, no enactment. In Peninsula Malaysia cannot. Because there is an enactment," he said.
"The bibles in Sarawak shouldn't have been confiscated," he said, but stressed that the 5,100 copies of the same holy book held by customs at Port Klang were in violation of the law.
"To me if you allow the bible in port klang to be released, then what you are doing is against the law because these are Indonesian bibles and I know for sure they use the word Allah as a reference to God, which is against the enactments in the Peninsula states except for Penang and Federal Territories," argued Nazri.
Conflicting statements to be clarified Friday
Nazri clarified that his decision is not prejudiced in any way, but is in accord with his reading of the law.
"I'm not talking about what I think, I'm saying what the laws are in the states... Well you have laws and how can you go against them? These are all laws you know, it's not just a practise," he reasoned.
Nazri warned that the laws cannot be compromised nor questioned even if some in the Christian community are unhappy with it.
"You cannot use sentiments and say 'oh certain Christian groups are jittery and unhappy'. That doesn't mean you can break the law," said the minister.
He reasoned that even the federal government can't override the law, especially since this particular concerns Islam which is under the exclusive purview of the state.
"So when it comes to this, the state Islamic enactments are the laws that should govern this issue. You cannot in one instance follow the law and if it doesn't suit you, you don't follow the law," reminded Nazri.
Quiized about the recent conflicting comments by the home minister that the Bibles were not released because it may be subjudice to a pending court case and the attorney-general's dismissal of any relation between the bibles and the ongoing government appeal against the use of the word "Allah", Nazri said he was "confused" himself.
Nazri clarified that his decision is not prejudiced in any way, but is in accord with his reading of the law.
"I'm not talking about what I think, I'm saying what the laws are in the states... Well you have laws and how can you go against them? These are all laws you know, it's not just a practise," he reasoned.
Nazri warned that the laws cannot be compromised nor questioned even if some in the Christian community are unhappy with it.
"You cannot use sentiments and say 'oh certain Christian groups are jittery and unhappy'. That doesn't mean you can break the law," said the minister.
He reasoned that even the federal government can't override the law, especially since this particular concerns Islam which is under the exclusive purview of the state.
"So when it comes to this, the state Islamic enactments are the laws that should govern this issue. You cannot in one instance follow the law and if it doesn't suit you, you don't follow the law," reminded Nazri.
Quiized about the recent conflicting comments by the home minister that the Bibles were not released because it may be subjudice to a pending court case and the attorney-general's dismissal of any relation between the bibles and the ongoing government appeal against the use of the word "Allah", Nazri said he was "confused" himself.
"This Friday (I'll find out during cabinet meeting). I want to know because I read the statement from (Home Minister) Hishammuddin (Hussein) saying that the bibles were not released due to a pending court case so it's subjudice.
“And then the AG made a statement saying it's not subjudice so I don't understand," said Nazri, adding that the cabinet shall meet to resolve the issue this Friday.
“And then the AG made a statement saying it's not subjudice so I don't understand," said Nazri, adding that the cabinet shall meet to resolve the issue this Friday.
6. Consignee won't collect Malay Bible shipment yet
Stephen Tiong
Mar 16, 11
Mar 16, 11
The consignee assigned by a church organisation to collect the 30,000 copies of the Malay-language Bible has decided not to do so, because of the two conditions imposed by the Home Ministry.
The church leaders have advised the consignee not to collect the copies for the time being, as they want further clarification from the ministry on conditions imposed for the release of the shipment.
The ministry, in deciding to release the copies now stored at its office in Kuching, had ordered that the words 'For Christians Only' and a serial number be stamped on the inside cover of each copy.
The consignee received a letter from ministry secretary-general Zaiton Abdul Samad, faxed to him at 6.26pm yesterday.
The letter directed him to collect the copies today, and stated the two conditions.
The consignee said he had sought the advice of the church leaders this morning.
“They told me not to go ahead as they wanted to seek clarification of the two conditions,” he told Malaysiakini.
“While they agree that the Bible is not for Muslims, they are of the view that non-Christians who are not Muslims can get themselves or the church into trouble if they have the Bible in their possession.
“With the restriction, we cannot share God's words with non-Christians who are not Muslims."
Missionary work 'hampered'
He said the restriction would hamper Christian missionaries in their work.
The consignee said there are thousands of non-Muslim Dayaks in rural Sarawak waiting to hear God's words from the missionaries.
“This is the point that the church leaders want the Home Ministry to explain,” he said.
The consignee said the church leaders also questioned the rationale of stamping a serial number in each copy.
“The church leaders are in the dark about this serial number,” he added.
The consignment arrived at Kuching Port on Jan 11, but the consignee was advised against taking it out the following day as the copies contain the word 'Allah'.
The 30,000 copies, costing US$26,400, were printed in Indonesia for distribution to churches, schools and longhouses mostly in Betong and Saratok areas.
Minister in the Prime Minister Department Idris Jala (left), in a statement yesterday, said the federal goverment had decided to release the copies of the Bible in line with the 1982 gazette under the Internal Security Act, which allowed limited and controlled importation and circulation of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.
He had stated that the law, in force since 1982, required such books to carry a stamp that reads 'For Christians only'.
“Since 1982, with this gazette, there have been no problems in its implementation," Idris, a Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) follower, had said.
“As such, taking into account this fact, the government has decided to apply the 1982 gazette and release the copies of the Bible accordingly.”
He had also stressed that the federal government is committed to resolving any inter-faith conflict by way of dialogue.
“This (the release of the copies) is a reasonable compromise in managing the polarities of views between Christians and Muslims in the country,” he had stated.
Two days ago, the Sarawak Ministers Fellowship had demanded the immediate release of the Bible.
Its chairperson, Daron Tan, had said that the grouping views the impoundment as another blunt violation and unconstitutional curtailment of the religious liberty of the Christians, who make up of 43 percent of Sarawak's 2.6 million population
The church leaders have advised the consignee not to collect the copies for the time being, as they want further clarification from the ministry on conditions imposed for the release of the shipment.
The consignee received a letter from ministry secretary-general Zaiton Abdul Samad, faxed to him at 6.26pm yesterday.
The letter directed him to collect the copies today, and stated the two conditions.
The consignee said he had sought the advice of the church leaders this morning.
“They told me not to go ahead as they wanted to seek clarification of the two conditions,” he told Malaysiakini.
“While they agree that the Bible is not for Muslims, they are of the view that non-Christians who are not Muslims can get themselves or the church into trouble if they have the Bible in their possession.
“With the restriction, we cannot share God's words with non-Christians who are not Muslims."
Missionary work 'hampered'
He said the restriction would hamper Christian missionaries in their work.
The consignee said there are thousands of non-Muslim Dayaks in rural Sarawak waiting to hear God's words from the missionaries.
“This is the point that the church leaders want the Home Ministry to explain,” he said.
The consignee said the church leaders also questioned the rationale of stamping a serial number in each copy.
“The church leaders are in the dark about this serial number,” he added.
The consignment arrived at Kuching Port on Jan 11, but the consignee was advised against taking it out the following day as the copies contain the word 'Allah'.
The 30,000 copies, costing US$26,400, were printed in Indonesia for distribution to churches, schools and longhouses mostly in Betong and Saratok areas.
He had stated that the law, in force since 1982, required such books to carry a stamp that reads 'For Christians only'.
“Since 1982, with this gazette, there have been no problems in its implementation," Idris, a Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB) follower, had said.
“As such, taking into account this fact, the government has decided to apply the 1982 gazette and release the copies of the Bible accordingly.”
He had also stressed that the federal government is committed to resolving any inter-faith conflict by way of dialogue.
“This (the release of the copies) is a reasonable compromise in managing the polarities of views between Christians and Muslims in the country,” he had stated.
Two days ago, the Sarawak Ministers Fellowship had demanded the immediate release of the Bible.
Its chairperson, Daron Tan, had said that the grouping views the impoundment as another blunt violation and unconstitutional curtailment of the religious liberty of the Christians, who make up of 43 percent of Sarawak's 2.6 million population
Treat us in the way we have treated you, please.
This is the Christian Federation of Malaysia's stand against the desecration of the Holy Bible.
We Christians have been in this country and although we have been frustrated time and again in Malaysia because of all these things the government have tried to do, we have not done anything to the country in bad favor.
Is this how the Malaysian Government treats its citizens?
If so, keep your 1 Malaysia slogan, because you obviously can't walk the talk.
_______________________________________________________
CHRISTIAN FEDERATION OF MALAYSIA
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk
17th March 2011
CFM MEDIA STATEMENT
HOLY SCRIPTURES DESECRATED
The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.
Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.
However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words “by order of the Minister of Home Affairs”.
This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.
The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the “goal posts” over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.
We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.
The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.
We also wholly reject the Government’s contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.
As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.
We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.
We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.
We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.
Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
(PERSEKUTUAN KRISTIAN MALAYSIA)
Address: 10, Jalan 11/9, Section 11, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Telephone: (03) 7957 1278, (03) 7957 1463, Fax: (03) 7957 1457
Email: cfmsia@yahoo.co.uk
17th March 2011
CFM MEDIA STATEMENT
HOLY SCRIPTURES DESECRATED
The Christian community in Malaysia is deeply hurt that the Government has desecrated and defaced the Bible.
Initial news that the Government had agreed to release copies of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia which had been impounded in both Port Klang and Kuching was greeted with joy.
However, this joy soon turned into grief and mourning when it was discovered that the release was subject to certain conditions. Each copy has to be stamped with a serial number, the official seal of the relevant department of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan Dan Teks Al-Quran, and the words “by order of the Minister of Home Affairs”.
This means that the Bahasa Malaysia Bible is now treated as a restricted item, and the Word of God has been made subject to the control of man. This is wholly offensive to Christians. Any person who respects the Holy Scriptures of any religion would be appalled by this action.
The Christian community in Malaysia has always acted in good faith and with great patience to find amicable solutions without compromising our fundamental beliefs. But that good faith has not been reciprocated by the Government. It is the Government that has moved the “goal posts” over the years through a systematic imposition of unreasonable conditions and restrictions.
We have never agreed to any wording to be endorsed on Bibles to say that it is only for Christians. The 1982 order issued under the Internal Security Act 1960 did not state that any form of words had to be endorsed on any copy of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia.
The latest letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 March 2011 is therefore a set of new conditions imposed on the release of the impounded Bibles which is wholly unacceptable to us. We will never accede to any desecration of the Bible since the Word of God to us is sacred.
We also wholly reject the Government’s contention that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia is prejudicial to the national interest and security of Malaysia, and treated as a subversive publication.
As Christians we wonder how our Holy Scriptures can become a national security threat where countless number of us find it helpful in bringing hope and healing to broken lives and homes which we can testify to. Besides it commands us to be better citizens of our beloved nation.
We therefore insist that the Government withdraw the conditions imposed on the release of the Bibles impounded in Port Klang and Kuching. Given that copies may already have been endorsed, we will NOT take delivery of those endorsed copies.
We call on all Malaysians, from Semenanjung and in Sabah and Sarawak, and from all walks of life, to come together in unity to reject any attempt to restrict the freedom of religion in our beloved country.
We invite all Christians in Malaysia to remain calm and to continue to pray for a dignified and respectful resolution of this issue. As Sunday 20 March 2011 marks the 2nd anniversary of the impounding of the Bibles at Port Klang, we call on all those in Malaysia and elsewhere to dedicate themselves to a day of prayer and quiet reflection.
Yours sincerely,
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia
2011/03/15
A clarion call to the Christians in Malaysia
From an email
· 
Enough is enough! The usually docile, meek and temperate Christian community in Malaysia has had enough, and has exploded in anger over what they perceive as their human, civil and constitutional rights being denied and rendered illusory, with the latest seizure of 30,000 Malay Bibles from the Kuching Port in Sarawak.
Several such incidents over the last few years are nothing less than an assault on their God-given rights to worship, and to practice and propagate their faith in their own national language, without any legal restriction or political oppression.
There should no place for such evil bigotry and discrimination towards any religious belief in our country which is founded on the fundamental human right basis of freedom to worship and to practice and propagate one’s faith without hindrance, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Article 8 of the Federal Constitution states that “All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law”, and “there shall be no discrimination against citizens on the ground only of religion, race, descent, place of birth or gender in any law ….”.
Article 11 provides for every person to have “the right to profess and practice his religion”, and that every religious group has the right (a) to manage its own religious affairs, (b) to establish and maintain institutions for religious or charitable purposes, and (c) to acquire and own property and hold and administer it in accordance with the law.
The refusal to allow the Christians in the country to use certain Bahasa Malaysia words in their publications is a direct infringement of their constitutional right to freedom of religious worship and practice. As patriotic citizens of the nation, the Christians in Malaysia should automatically have total access to use the complete vocabulary of the national language. There is no such thing as the monopoly of certain words by any particular group.
The seizure of the Malay Bibles on the contention that they contain several Bahasa Malaysia words deemed incongruous for use by the Christians is an infraction of their constitutional rights as legitimate loyal citizens, and a direct transgression of the universal human right provisions of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted on 10 December 1948.
It is definitely wrong, unconstitutional, even immoral, when a certain section of the citizenry is denied and deprived of their human and constitutional rights based on the unilateral action of some bias and racist extremist civil servants.
The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), an umbrella body that represents over 90% of churches in the country, is surely justified in publicly challenging the Barisan Nasional federal government to explain the latest seizure of the Malay Bibles at the Kuching Port, and questioning its sincerity and integrity in dealing with the fiasco and other similar related issues over the last few years.
What then should the Christians in Malaysia do in the face of such an oppressive political tyranny, in which their freedom to practice their faith is being undermined?
First of all, as Christians, we believe in the power of divine intervention, so we must unite in unceasing prayer before the throne of grace to seek God’s help. A nationwide non-stop prayer vigil should be organized by the various churches to pray for the nation and its leaders. Individual Christians on their own should also set aside a day each week to fast and pray.
Secondly, the Christians must be united in their stand to defend their human and constitutional rights, to curb and prevent any breach or dilution of such fundamental rights. They should give steadfast and strong support to the CFM and church leaders in their negotiation with the authorities on the matter. At the same time, the CFM and its leadership should be resolute and unwavering in their stand, without fear or favour. Those who are afraid and not willing to risk the prospect of being detained for standing up should step down from the leadership positions.
Thirdly, the churches should start holding talks and forums to inform and educate their members on the issues affecting them. Pastors should preach and teach on biblical subjects such as Christian responsibility in society. For too long, the Christians, including the pastors and church leaders, have been basking in their comfort zone within the four walls of their churches, with nary a concern about their rights being eroded or tramped on. The time has come for the Christians to emerge from their spiritual slumber to play a more vocal and visible role as loyal citizens of the nation. They should mobilize themselves to campaign and vote for those who are righteous, just, honest, fair, humble, competent, and incorruptible to serve as their representatives in Parliament and the various state assemblies.
Finally, Christians who are qualified and willing to serve the nation in the socio-political arena should offer themselves as candidates for election to Parliament and the various state assemblies. We need Joseph who became the prime minister of Egypt and saved the country from famine and economic disaster, Moses who fought for the liberation of those oppressed slaves of Egypt, Daniel who stood firm for his faith in the face of religious persecution, David who served as King and unified the nation, Nehemiah who served as a high government official and used his position to help rebuilt Jerusalem, John the Baptist who was beheaded for exposing and condemning the immorality of Herod, and the apostle Paul who exercised his citizenship rights to stand up for his faith. Of course, the prime example is the Lord Jesus who challenged and spoke out against the hypocritical Jewish religious leaders and the oppressive Roman political authorities, and was crucified.
The clarion call to the Christians in Malaysia today is to join with all other Malaysians of like vision and mission to partcipate in an active national service to bring about the transformation of the nation to a new and better Malaysia.
2011/03/03
Liberal Headlines: Just for Laughs
From Crosswalk
Liberal Headlines
If Biblical Headlines were written by
Today's Liberal Media
On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY
400 Killed
On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED
"Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE
Local Farmer's Investment Lost
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will Reading to be Delayed
Liberal Headlines
If Biblical Headlines were written by
Today's Liberal Media
On Red Sea crossing:
WETLANDS TRAMPLED IN LABOR STRIKE
Pursuing Environmentalists Killed
On David vs. Goliath:
HATE CRIME KILLS BELOVED CHAMPION
Psychologist Questions Influence of Rock
On Elijah on Mt. Carmel:
FIRE SENDS RELIGIOUS RIGHT EXTREMIST INTO FRENZY
400 Killed
On the birth of Christ:
HOTELS FULL, ANIMALS LEFT HOMELESS
Animal Rights Activists Enraged by Insensitive Couple
On feeding the 5,000:
PREACHER STEALS CHILD'S LUNCH
Disciples Mystified Over Behavior
On healing the 10 lepers:
LOCAL DOCTOR'S PRACTICE RUINED
"Faith Healer" Causes Bankruptcy
On healing of the Gadarene demoniac:
MADMAN'S FRIEND CAUSES STAMPEDE
Local Farmer's Investment Lost
On raising Lazarus from the dead:
FUNDAMENTALIST PREACHER RAISES A STINK
Will Reading to be Delayed
DNA suggests China Chinese originated from Southeast Asia
Honestly I don't give a damn where we come from, cos at the end of the day if we can't see each other as human beings worthy in everyone's eyes,
it does not change a damn thing.
it does not change a damn thing.
DNA suggests China Chinese originated from Southeast Asia
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