It was shocking to read news report that Putrajaya has proposed a new set of guidelines that will see Malay language Bibles with the word “Allah” being barred from Peninsular Malaysia.
The proposals are totally unacceptable because firstly they go against the constitutional principle of freedom of religion and secondly, they also violate the 10 point solution that was endorsed by the Cabinet in 2011.
I just cannot understand how Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Jospeh Kurup, a Christian himself, could even present such guidelines to the Christian leaders in Sabah and Sarawak in April as well Christian Federation of Malaysia on May 18.
He should know that the Christian community expects him to always be at the forefront fighting against any unfair and unacceptable government proposal, measure or policy that will violate the constitutional principle of freedom of religion.
He ought to have shot down the proposals, instead of presenting them to the Christian leaders. Or did the proposals come from him?
Did he seriously think that the Christian leaders would accept such totally unacceptable proposals?
If he has forgotten about the 10 point solution declared in 2011, let me append below the first six points:
- Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
- These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcomed by the Christian groups.
- Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally and imported.
- For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bible in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
- Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community, for Peninsular Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front covers.
- In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travel between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, there should be no prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their Bible and Christian materials on such travels.
Joseph Kurup must explain if and why the Cabinet has abandoned the 10 point solution.