PKR demands release of Bibles
By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 — PKR joined its Pakatan Rakyat partner DAP today in calling for the release of all Malay-language Bibles held by the Home Ministry, charging that those responsible for the seizure had brought “disrepute” to Malaysia, particularly in the eyes of foreigners.
Speaking on behalf of PKR’s central leadership, Selangor executive councillor Elizabeth Wong said in a statement today that the seizure was “a most unwelcome development” as it would only further serve to damage foreign view of Malaysia as a moderate and fair nation where freedom of religion is concerned.
“More important than the foreign perception of our country, this move is a disservice to the Christian community in Malaysia which long before the country had gained its independence had performed sterling service to the various communities in providing education and healthcare liberally to all regardless of religion, ethnicity and gender,” she said.
Wong criticised the government for taking such extreme measures against one religious community, pointing out that no other community would ever want its religious books treated like illegal items.
“No community will ever want to suffer this indignity of having its sacred scriptures banned and prohibited as though it is some seditious material or a contraband product considered immoral.
“That this has been done repeatedly over so many years is an affront and insult to the religious community concerned and raises very serious questions about the status or religious freedom and respect for other religions in our country,” she said.
Wong added that the latest detention of 30,000 copies of the Bahasa Malaysia translation of the Bible in Kuching had come as a shock, particularly since the High Court had ruled in 2009 that the Catholic newspaper, Herald, could use the word “Allah” in its publications.
