The Malay bible controversy highlights a serious problem of deep social insecurity, unnecessary politicisation and political arrogance in this country.
It is sad to note that although a slew of feel good slogans had been introduce to promote Malaysia's ambition to become a fully developed country by 2020, this country is far from achieving this target.
It does not take rocket science to tell us that Malaysia embodies everything about a third world country. We are still bickering over something very basic - religion, race, constitutional rights and a host of other menial and petty political issues.
Our politicians are simply too good at setting targets they are not sure how to achieve. Politicians should start with some fundamental questions e.g. what does Malaysia need to become a true multiracial and progressive country? How can Malaysia compete and thrive in the ever changing global economy and market dynamics?
Zaid Ibrahim says “Different quarters have been allowed to abuse this issue for political gains. Must it come down to political parties fishing for votes based on promises of religious freedom? Isn't this already guaranteed in our constitution?”
Zaid is right to warn different parties not to abuse this issue for political gains. However, this is Barisan Nasional's self-inflicted damage. As the ruling regime, the leaders of Barisan Nasional should uphold the sanctity of federal constitution and not trying to impose their political will according to their own whim and fancy.
It is ridiculous for the Home Minister to suggest that their (Malay Bibles) release had been delayed pending advice from the Attorney-General.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein claimed the detention of 35,000 Malay-language bibles in Port Klang and Kuching port had been due to its pending court appeal over Catholic newspaper The Herald’s use of the word “Allah” in its publications.
In the first place, the government should not have restricted the use of the word "Allah" for fear of confusing Muslims in the country.
Abim demands PM Najib to clarify his stand on the Malay Bibles. PM Najib made the right decision to call for an immediate release of the bibles and all parties should respect his decision.
Abim's fear of apostasy among Muslims if Malay Bibles are made available is hilarious and shallow. It undermines the faith of Muslims of their Islamic faith. Many Malay Muslims are proficient in English too. How many have left the religion so far due to the Bible?
We should not succumb to our own inferiority complex and hurt the rights of others. Christians are Malaysians too. If the government and national language proponents are serious about their effort to encourage more to use the language they should act consistently.
Language alone cannot cause apostasy. It is not so simplistic.
It is sad to note that although a slew of feel good slogans had been introduce to promote Malaysia's ambition to become a fully developed country by 2020, this country is far from achieving this target.
It does not take rocket science to tell us that Malaysia embodies everything about a third world country. We are still bickering over something very basic - religion, race, constitutional rights and a host of other menial and petty political issues.
Our politicians are simply too good at setting targets they are not sure how to achieve. Politicians should start with some fundamental questions e.g. what does Malaysia need to become a true multiracial and progressive country? How can Malaysia compete and thrive in the ever changing global economy and market dynamics?
Zaid Ibrahim says “Different quarters have been allowed to abuse this issue for political gains. Must it come down to political parties fishing for votes based on promises of religious freedom? Isn't this already guaranteed in our constitution?”
Zaid is right to warn different parties not to abuse this issue for political gains. However, this is Barisan Nasional's self-inflicted damage. As the ruling regime, the leaders of Barisan Nasional should uphold the sanctity of federal constitution and not trying to impose their political will according to their own whim and fancy.
It is ridiculous for the Home Minister to suggest that their (Malay Bibles) release had been delayed pending advice from the Attorney-General.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein claimed the detention of 35,000 Malay-language bibles in Port Klang and Kuching port had been due to its pending court appeal over Catholic newspaper The Herald’s use of the word “Allah” in its publications.
In the first place, the government should not have restricted the use of the word "Allah" for fear of confusing Muslims in the country.
Abim demands PM Najib to clarify his stand on the Malay Bibles. PM Najib made the right decision to call for an immediate release of the bibles and all parties should respect his decision.
Abim's fear of apostasy among Muslims if Malay Bibles are made available is hilarious and shallow. It undermines the faith of Muslims of their Islamic faith. Many Malay Muslims are proficient in English too. How many have left the religion so far due to the Bible?
We should not succumb to our own inferiority complex and hurt the rights of others. Christians are Malaysians too. If the government and national language proponents are serious about their effort to encourage more to use the language they should act consistently.
Language alone cannot cause apostasy. It is not so simplistic.
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