GOVERNMENT MUST ISSUE DIRECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

The STAR at pg. N47 today published the full statement by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dato Seri Idris Jala on the Bahasa Malaysia Bible issue.

It is reported " The Government has agreed to issue adirective so that future Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia can be brought in so long as these have the words "For Christianity" in Arial font, size 16 either printed at source or stamped at the receiving port". Now

Now all Christian must take note that the issue has not been settled. The minister's statement merely states that "government HAS AGREED to issue a directive". So note NO IMMEDIATE directive has been issued. Merely AGREED TO ISSUE !

Pray, why is the government still pussyfooting instead of settling the issue once and for all.

Since the issue is not fully settled, it naturally open up to other problems later.

Nohing prevents a reoccurence of a similar incident of Bibles been withheld again. Nothing prevents little Napoleans from playing God and withhold the release of Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia on the ground that no directive have been received. Further, since the statement as appearing in the STAR is the statement of a Minister of one ministry, can Christians now be assured that the Home Minister, Minister in Charge for Muslim Affairs or Jakim or even the State authorities will not issue any statement contradicting, disputing or even opposing the statement of Dato Idris Jala.

Another issue is what happens if an individual brings in a Bible in Bahasa Malaysia into Malaysia or have in his possession a Bible on Bahasa Malaysia. Must he also first get approval from the Home Ministry to be allowed to possess a Bible in Bahasa Malaysia and pending the Minister's reply be Bible be confiscated ? Must he despite for his own use must also ensure or be required to write "FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY", on the Bible. Will he in such situation be being allowed to possess the Bible or the Bible will be confiscated.

This are some of the unanswered questions which the Government must answer. Lastly, the Government must inform and direct all officers at airports and seaports that the government has with immediate immediate effect allowed Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia to be brought into Malaysia subject to the requirement the Bible to contain the words " For Christians Only" and further if there is no such print then the holder of the Bible be allowed to write the words " For Christians Only" and the Bible than be allowed to be brought in.

The Bible which is the Word of God is intended for ALL MANKIND and not only for Christians only. Nevertheless in order to preserve harmony, the new directive maybe a compromise. I however would prefer the words "FOR NON MUSLIMS ONLY" instead of "FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY".

Any Christian churches which require assistance in purchasing Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia may contact me at anfalaw@streamyx.com and I will try to assist. However, it MUST be used only for CHRISTIANS ONLY AND FOR CHRISTIANS OF SABAH AND SARAWAK ORIGINS ONLY.

Shalom