The Sunday Star on 3 April 2011 reports:
PETALING JAYA: The Government has decided to allow the Bible in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia and Indonesia, to be imported into the country.
The Bible can also be printed locally in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak and in indigenous languages such as Iban, Kadazandusun and Lun Bawang.
For Sabah and Sarawak, there will be no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bible in all languages, with no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
For Peninsular Malaysia, the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front cover.
No restriction would be imposed on people who bring their Bibles and Christian materials on travels between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
These were part of a 10-point solution announced in a statement yesterday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, who said the views of the various religious groups, including Muslims, had been considered.
1. RIGHTS
Do not let us think that the government is doing the church a FAVOUR. Firstly, they have NO RIGHT to make any conditions concerning the importing of Bibles into this country. Secondly, the church has the right to import Bibles in any language and there is never any need to seek permission from the government.
2. FAVOURS
We have THE RIGHT in Peninsular Malaysia to import the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia without any restrictions. If it is agreed that there will be additional words on the front cover, then the church is doing the government a FAVOUR.
Whether or not this favour should be granted is up to you to decide!
Having been so firm on this issue, it is good to learn the statement of Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, part of which is quoted below:
“The government and our civil servants are not perfect as indeed all human beings are ‘beautifully imperfect’ in the eyes of God.
And for all our shortcomings in handling the Bible issue, I hope the Christians will find it in their hearts to forgive us.”
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
