KUALA LUMPUR (March 15, 2011): The government has decided to release bibles in Bahasa Malaysia that were impounded in Kuching and Port Klang.
This was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, who is also the chief executive of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), in a statement issued today.
"This is in line with the 1982 gazette under the ISA (Internal Security Act) which allows limited and controlled importation and circulation of the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia, which must be stamped: 'For Christians Only'," said Idris.
Idris noted that since 1982, with this gazette, there have been no problems in its implementation. As such, taking into account this fact, the government has decided to apply the 1982 gazette and release the bibles accordingly.
"After a careful and thorough review, the attorney-general confirmed that the release of the Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia does not prejudice the ongoing court case of the Kalimah Allah issue. It is in this context that the government is able to release the Bibles," said Idris.
The minister said the government is committed to resolving amicably any inter-faith issue as Malaysia is a multi-religious society.
"Inter-faith dialogues and discussions are facilitated by the government as a way to amicably resolve issues."
The Sarawak government categorically expressed its view that the impounded bibles should be released.
"This is a reasonable compromise in managing the polarities of views between Christians and Muslims in the country," said Idris, who is a Christian from Sarawak.
Idris has been liaising with the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) on behalf of the government, said the statement.