Yesterday Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Idris Jala, unveiled a 10-point formula in a move to end the month-long controversy.
The new proposal has dropped all previous conditions on the distribution and use of the Malay-language bible in Sabah and Sarawak. The bible will also be allowed to be printed locally in native languages including Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang.
Although this latest development comes just two weeks before Sarawakians go to the polls, the Kuching Ministers Fellowship has refrained from speculating on the likelihood of political motivation.
Its chairman, Daron Tan, told FMT that they now look forward to future talks between the government and various Christian groups on issues pertaining to religious freedom.
“I’ve just returned from visiting churches in the interiors of Sarawak,” he said. “The villagers weren’t aware of just how big this issue had become and they are naturally concerned. So I think they will also welcome this turn of events.”
However the new list of suggestions contains a different set of rules for Christians in the Muslim-dominated Peninsula. Idris said that bibles in West Malaysia would have to be printed with the words “Christian Publication” and the cross on its covers.
“It definitely looks awkward in terms of consistency,” Tan agreed. “But this list is fresh and needs further study to ensure that it really espouses religious freedom which is the real crux of the issue. So I hope that the prime minister (Najib Tun Razak) take this more seriously.”
Idris also didn’t make any mention of the word “Allah” which is the cornerstone of the Al-Kitab row. When asked if this was a point of concern, Tan merely said, “It’s too premature to comment on this right now. Let’s give the government more time to discuss further with the Christian groups.”
Rallies to go on
The Kuching Ministers Fellowship is a member of the Sarawak Minsters Fellowship (SMF), the powerful alliance of Sarawak churches behind the massive prayer rally in Kuching last month.
About 3,000 Christians turned up for the rally to listen to talks on the Al-Kitab issue as well as pray for religious freedom. Following its resounding success, SMF had said that more such rallies would be organised at later dates throughout Sarawak.
“Yes the rallies will still take place,” Tan confirmed. “We are in collaboration with other churches to hold prayer sessions between April 6 to April 16 for clean, fair and peaceful elections as well as for Sarawakians to vote responsibly and wisely for the right government.”
Yesterday, the government announced that it 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. - FMT
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