Prayer Alert (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The BM Bible

Description: FYI #27 - May 4, 05

NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 27 – May 4, 2005 www.necf.org.my

The BM Bible

REPORT:

In April 12 2005, Datuk Seri Mohd. Nazri Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department - Parliament (The Star, April 13, p. 14) said that Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) or Bahasa Indonesia (BI) could not be circulated in the country as this could be seen as an effort to spread Christianity among the Malays. He added that the prohibition had been in force since Independence and was in line with the Constitution. Immediately, NECF Malaysia issued a statement of protest. At the Federal Cabinet meeting, Tan Sri Datuk Bernard Dompok, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department - Public Service, also voiced his concern over the above remark. Finally PM said that BM Bible was not banned but must stamped with the words ‘Not for Muslims.’

Article 52 of the Federal Constitution states clearly that Malay language is our national language, i.e. Bahasa Malaysia (BM). Being the medium of instruction in schools, BM has become a common language that many Malaysians are most comfortable with regardless of race or religion. It is also a common denominator for different ethnic groups when they come together even in a religious function. The Constitution does allow states to pass laws to curtail propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among Muslims, but language has never been an issue. There is really no basis for prohibiting its usage in any part of the land nor in any purpose including worship.

Any contention on the usage of BM in texts or practices of any religion other than Islam would definitely impinge upon the rights of religious freedom of non-Muslims and is inconsistent with the Prime Minister’s policy of promoting religious tolerance and harmony. Further, the use of Bible in BM and/or BI has been in practice in churches for decades. There is also an issue of individual freedom as a Malaysian citizen in choosing BM to express his or her relationship with God.

The claim that some words used in BM/BI Bible cause confusion among the Muslims and thus leads to social disorder is unfounded. First, some common words used in BM/BI Bible and the Qur’an predate Islam. Besides, no group can monopolise the use of a language. Second, any offence relating to public order, public health or morality comes under the purview of the Penal Code. Further, Malaysian Christians at large have never compelled nor coerced anyone to convert to Christianity, neither have they resorted to unethical means to propagate their religion.

The argument that BM/BI Bibles can be used as a conversion tool is weak. For one could also argue that English Bible could easily be used as a tool for evangelising since many Malay Muslims are fluent in English, or to ban Internet since BM/BI Bible is easily accessible. The directive to stamp the Bibles with words ‘Not for Muslims’ is not only forcing Christians to go against Scriptural principle and conscience, but also, in effect, undermining the Malay Muslims’ ability to think and to make choices. It is to say that they would renounce Islam just on the basis of reading the BM Bible. Most important of all, it is hampering their freedom of choice even in the matter of choosing to read or not to read a publication.

During the tenure of Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (present Prime Minister) as Minister of Home Affairs, he agreed at a meeting between himself and the representatives of Malaysia Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism that BI Bibles could be imported into the country with two conditions: (1) the Bibles be sold only at churches and other designated Christian bookshops (e.g. The Bible Society of Malaysia); and (2) that the small print of ‘A Christian publication’ be printed on the inside front cover of each Bible. It was also agreed that the common words could be used within the confines of the churches and the Christian community.

Since independence and the inception of Federal Constitution of Malaysia, there has no law to ban BM or BI Bibles. The question seems to lie in the interpretation of individual ministers concerning article 11(4) as well as some overzealous public servants, but there has never been an official statement to clarify the situation.

NOTE:

Article 11

(1) Every person has the right to profess and practice his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.

(4) State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

SUGGESTED PRAYER POINTS:

  1. For an amicable solution to the issue of stamping the Bibles with words "Not for Muslims"
  2. For wisdom and unity for Christian leaders who will be discussing the matter with the authorities.
  3. For the government, ministers and public servants to be sensible to religious freedom in this country, and to continue to stand for what is right and just.



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