Selangor MB Azmin Ali’s effort to facilitate the return of the Malay and Iban bibles to the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) today received praise from the DAP who believe that this is a step in the right direction towards establishing Malaysia as a moderate nation.
Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang expressed hope that the amicable resolution to the issue would usher in a virtuous cycle of moderation and establish Malaysia as a regional and international model of moderation.
“Congratulations are in order to the Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali in resolving the nearly year-long Selangor controversy over the seizure of the Malay language Bible with the return of the seized copies of the Bible to the Bible Society of Malaysia.”
“It is time for Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or politics, to take pro-active steps to arrest the serious polarization both of race and religion which had beset the country and created serious national divisions and discord in the country,” said Lim Kit Siang.
The 351 bibles which were seized by JAIS (Selangor Islamic Authorities) from BSM this year had sparked a controversy that ended today, when the bibles were returned to the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS), on behalf of BSM, at Istana Alam Shah, Klang this morning.
This was on occasion of a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor by The Most Revd Archbishop Datuk Bolly Lapok, who is the Chairman of ACS and Acting President of the Council of Churches of Malaysia was accompanied by the Secretary Generals respectively of the Association of Churches in Sarawak, Elder Ambrose Linang and of the Council of Churches of Malaysia, Rev. Dr. Herman Shastri.
Upon returning the bibles which was seized in JAIS raid on BSM’s premises on January 2 this year, Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (MAIS) have given strict conditions to BSM not to print or distribute the bibles in the State of Selangor. The Bibles were seized as a result of reports of the word Allah contained in the Malay and Iban Bibles.
Azmin shines where Khalid had failed
Azmin Ali who succeeded to resolve the issue where his predecessor Khalid Ibrahim had failed, is also seen to have fulfilled his pledge upon taking over as the state’s MB, where he assured Christians that the bibles would be returned to them in due time.
As opposed to Azmin, Khalid’s premiership as MB saw him pass to buck to BSM, asking them to “show their determination” in wanting their bibles back.
Azmin said today that since assuming the position of Dato’ Menteri Besar, that his administration were pursuing all means possible to enhance and foster communal and religious understanding in Selangor.
“Among other priorities in this regard, I had pledged to have the Bibles returned to the Christians because they belong to them. Now, thanks to the wisdom and foresight of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Selangor, this has become a reality,” said the Gombak State Assemblyman.
He said that all parties must respect the status of Islam as the State religion. However, he added that the Constitution provides for freedom of religion; therefore requiring the administration of the state to reject extremist sentiments, race-baiting and religious fanaticism.
Azmin Ali expressed his highest appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah whom he said had the foresight and initiative to seek the best way to resolve the issue.
Apart from Azmin Ali and the Sultan of Selangor, those who witnessed the event include State Secretary, Dato’ Mohammed Khusrin Bin Haji Munawi; Dato’ Seri Utama Di Raja Mufti Selangor, Dato’ Setia Mohd Tamyes Abd Wahid; Chairman of Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS), Dato’ Setia Haji Mohammad Adzib Mohd Isa; and Director of Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS), Ahmad Zaharin Mohd Saad. -The Rocket
