BSM president, Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing hits out at Selangor Islamic authorities for suggesting to dispose of the seized Bibles, saying that they aren't subversive documents. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, June 19, 2014.
The Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) today hit out at the Selangor Islamic authorities for suggesting that the seized Bibles be disposed of, as the row over the holy books escalated.
BSM president, Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing said in a statement it was "absolutely unacceptable" for the Islamic authorities to speak in such a manner given the fact that Bibles are not subversive documents.
"Bibles are religious books of the Christian community. Under what civil law do they purport to have the authority to even suggest such an act," Ng questioned.
In an earlier report, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) had said they do not want to return the Malay and Iban language Bibles despite the Attorney-General announcing Jais had erred when they raided BSM six months ago.
Instead, Mais said they are asking the deputy public prosecutor to seek a court ruling to dispose of the Bibles.
BSM now wants the 321 Malay and Iban-language Bibles to be returned without any delay.
Ng (pic, right) said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail had already announced last week that BSM had not committed any offence, and that even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had urged Mais to abide by the decision.
"It is both unacceptable and unconscionable for either Jais or Mais to insist on holding on to the Bibles any longer," said Ng, who once headed the Christian Federation of Malaysia.
He said Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution states that any prosecution for an offense chargeable in Malaysian criminal courts was at the discretion of the A-G.
"Given what the Attorney-General said last week, it is crystal clear that there will not be any prosecution in this matter.
"Jais's insistence that it intends to hold on to the seized Bibles pending a court order for their release pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Code is therefore without foundation," he said.
Ng, who heads the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, remarked public authorities were blatantly ignoring the rule of law.
"Individuals proffer their own understanding and interpretation of the law, devoid of any legal basis.
"This trend must be stopped if religious harmony is to be preserved in Malaysia," he added.
Ng also urged the federal and Selangor state governments to assure the Christian community that freedom of religion and freedom of religious expression will be respected by securing the immediate release of the Bibles.
"The prime minister's call to Mais to respect the provisions in the Federal Constitution is timely.
"Let us once and for all give genuine meaning and full effect to the right for other religions to be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation," he said.
The 321 Bibles were seized by Jais enforcement officers when they raided the premises of the BSM in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya, in January.
Despite Abdul Gani's declaration, Mais has steadfastly refused to abide by the decision.
Two days ago, Najib weighed in on the issue and urged all parties to respect the A-G's decision not to press charges.
He had also urged Mais to discuss the issue with the A-G if it felt that the decision should be reviewed.
- TMI
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.