I DID NOT SPEAK OUT

I DID NOT SPEAK OUT
(Adaptation from poem of Pastor Niemoeller)

First, they put a ban among some states that there were words we cannot use
because they belonged to their faith
and I did not speak out -
because to me they were just words.


Then, they placed a restriction on the sale of alkitab which could only be purchased from three centres in the country
and I did not speak out -
because I did not need to buy one.


Then they said we cannot use the word 'allah' because historically and religiously the word belonged to them and I did not speak out -
because I figured it is no big deal and we can use another term instead.


Then they put a ban on the import of Indonesian printed alkitabs because they contained the word 'allah'
and I did not speak out -
because MCA said we can print our own alkitabs.


Then they stamped on the alkitabs with an ugly chop "Home Ministry"
and serialized every copy
and I did not speak out -
because the alkitab is only a human book.


Then they said that the alkitab can be used by the east malaysian christians
in east malaysia
and I did not speak out -
because I was living in peninsula.


Then they declared that every copy of the bible or the alkitab has to be monitored because they were deemed to be a threat to national security
and I did not speak out -
because I can always look up for bibles online.


Then they finally came one day and said that my faith is considered dangereous
and subversive because we always challenge the government
and I did not speak out -
because my friends have been speaking out all the time.

But I, I have never spoken out anyway
and with time, because I have bent so backwards,
I found that I could no longer speak.


I found this poem from the web:
By Anthony Loke
From the website http://www.micahmandate.org/


Note by Norman Fernandez:

Malaysia is a really beautiful country blessed by God. Let us all of different races and creed live united in peace with each other. Let us all help build this country to become a great country. Let us all find deep in our heart mutual respect and trust. Let us not destroy Malaysia. God bless Malaysia.
anfalaw@streamyx.com