Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua has called upon the Selangor state government to uphold the principles of Pakatan Rakyat in defending the rights of minorities, condemning the states inaction to the Al-Kitab seizures from the Bible Society of Malaysia.

This is following the announcement by Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) to move to Kuala Lumpur as Putrajaya offered “better protection to religious minorities”, as articulated by BSM president Lee Min Choon.

Pua said that the move by BSM was met with complete indifference by the Selangor State government.

“Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim had nonchalantly wished BSM “all the best”, as if such a move will magically vanish a pesky thorn in the government’s side,”said Pua.

“Since the January raid conducted by Selangor Religious Authorities Department (JAIS), which reports to the Selangor Religious Council (MAIS) headed by the Sultan, the state government has issued various vague promises to help resolve the crisis.  There was however, a distinct lack of urgency or pro-active responses to deliver an acceptable solution for all parties, or at the very least, defend the rights of the victims,” he added, saying also that the decision to move embarrassed not only the state government but also Pakatan Rakyat in their ability and sincerity in upholding the rights of minorities in Malaysia.

MP for Puchong Gobind Singh had also lashed out at the Selangor government, saying that the Menteri Besar had displayed a total lack of interest and political will in his handling of the issue and that this has resulted in a serious loss of faith of not only the Christians but most other Malaysians in his leadership in Selangor.

“It goes without saying that incidents like these demonstrate Khalids inability to understand and solve problems which need political courage and strength and that begs the question as to whether or not he is politically fit and able enough to continue as Menteri Besar in Selangor,” added Gobind Singh.

Pakatan Rakyat’s stand over the term “Allah” was reiterated by Tony Pua who said that the term can be used by other religions such as Christianity and Sikhism.

“BN’s abject failure in defending the rights of the minorities should not be an excuse for the Pakatan Rakyat to do the same,”said Pua in his statement today.