Selangor Islamic Affairs Department’s (JAIS) raid against Bible Society of Malaysia has been widely condemned and indeed it must be so as the raid is certainly illegal and unconstitutional.
The raid has violated the 10 point solution announced by Datuk Idirs Jala on April 2, 2011 and reiterated by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib on October 21, 2013.
The 10 point solution include:
1. Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
2. These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcomed by the Christian groups.
3. Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally and imported.
4. 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 Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
5. Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community for Peninsula Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front covers.
6. In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travel between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia, there should be no prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their Bibles and Christian materials on such travel.
The 10 point solution was a Cabinet decision. When the letter and spirit of a cabinet decision has been violated, silence is no longer an option for the Prime Minister.
As the Prime Minister, Najib must do his best to ensure inter racial and inter religious harmony in the country.
In this regard, he must also publicly disassociate from his deputy’s ridiculous and unbelievable nod to Selangor Umno’s plan to protest at all churches in Selangor over the use of the word Allah. .
How could Tan Sri Muhyiddin, a deputy Prime Minister be so irresponsible?
His nod for the protest raises the question whether he is really qualified and suitable to be the nation’s Education Minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister.