Letter: CFM seeks long-term solution to Alkitab issues

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) takes note of the Prime Minister’s letter dated 11 April 2011 in relation to the collective decision of the Cabinet on the 10-point solution to address the Alkitab or Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and other related issues.

We consider the 10-point solution to be an ad hoc and short-term resolution to the two consignments of Alkitab which have been impounded at Port Klang and the Port of Kuching.

We reiterate that the Bible is our Holy Scripture and it is our right to read,
study and pray with it in the language of our choice as freedom of religion is
enshrined under our Federal Constitution.

The 10-point solution deals with the impounding of the Alkitab but not with
the prohibition of publications containing the word “Allah”. The root cause of
the problem of the impounding of the Alkitab lies in the following:

a. The 1982 prohibition of the Alkitab and the 1983 prohibition of the
Perjanjian Baru under the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) on the
grounds that the Alkitab is prejudicial to national interest and the
security of Malaysia.

b. The 1986 administrative order prohibiting the use of the term “Allah” in
Christian publications on the grounds of public order and prevention of
misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians.

c. The Garis Panduan of the Bahagian Kawalan Penerbitan dan Teks Al-
Quran of the Ministry of Home Affairs prohibiting the use of the word
“Allah”.

In this regard we refer to item 9 of the 10-point solution which reiterates the
Government’s commitment to address religious issues. The Government,
therefore, should take immediate steps to remove the root causes by revoking
the orders made under the ISA and the administrative order and to amend the
Garis Panduan to remove the prohibition.

The “one country two policies” approach is confusing and unacceptable. We
look forward to working with the Government to address other long standing
issues affecting the Christian community including the relevant provisions in
the State Enactments.

Yours sincerely,

Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman and the Executive Committee,
Christian Federation of Malaysia

Read Opinion: Let us be fair to both sides