Press statement by Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament for Seputeh in Tawau dated 14 March 2011
BN Leaders’ disappointing response to the impounding of the 35,000 Malay-language bibles in Klang and Kuching reveals Najib’s 1Malaysia to be the sham that it is
I unreservedly condemn BN leaders’ disappointing response to the impounding of the 35,000 Malay-language Bibles or al-Kitab at the ports of Klang and Kuching by the Government. Their respective response reveals that Najib’s 1Malaysia to be such a sham, that even their very top leaders are unmoved by it. If they truly believed in Najib’s call to “People First, Performance Now,” they would have taken steps to release the al-Kitab instead of giving the Christian Federation of Malaysia the short-shrift with conflicting messages, constant delays and unfulfilled promises, and now with their disappointing statements.
It was the Home Ministry’s decision to impound the Malay-language bibles and yet Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein has taken the cowardly way out by passing the buck to the Attorney General. He claimed that the delay is being caused by the need to seek advice from the Attorney-General. This is a weak excuse. His Ministry is either truly inefficient or truly insincere in their attempt because they have had almost two years to consult the Attorney-General on this matter. 23 March 2011 will mark the second anniversary since the impounding of the 5,000 al-Kitab at Port Klang.
I am further appalled that MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s had the gall to propose that Malay-language Bibles should be printed locally by government-approved printers so that they could be circulated to churches here with proper supervision. This proposal is ridiculous as it suggests that the bibles which are currently being impounded are contraband in some manner. Even worse, he is proposing to increase the Government’s power and control over the religious practices of non-Muslims.
I remind Dr Chua that by impounding the al-Kitab, the Government is in breach of the Federal Constitution which provides that every person has the right to profess and to practice his or her religion (Article 11) and that while Islam is the religion of the country, other religions may be practiced in peace and harmony (Article 3).
I therefore urge that the Government apologise for their transgression and order the immediate release of the bibles in recognition of the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Failing which, the Government’s inaction once again proves 1Malaysia to be mere sloganeering without an ounce of credibility.
Teresa Kok
Dear Teresa ,
I am a practising muslim , and I was here just recently. on a social and islamic outreach.I have roots here, but for the past 10 years ,I have been involved in Islamic outreach , mostly internationally.We, from the international circle of Islamic theology, find that several issues pertinent to certain usage of terminology like ALLah ( meaning God , The AlMIghty ) were recently banned by the M’sian ruling government,is quite eye-browse raising.
I am not actually that sure the reason for that ban.But coupled with the recent confiscation of malay-printd version of the bible,I guess this sort of misfortune that had befallen, has to do the interwined paradox of malay-Islam,Islam-malay neo-conception.Sincerely,in our opinion,this neo-concept perpetuated is in reality a gross malice , to the actual Islamic theology understanding. Islam is universal and never and ever belongs or a monopoly to just any one particular race or entity.
And I am not sure what brand oF Islam being propagated by the malaysian government and its religious bodies.To us from the Land where Islam originates and nested,this is an absurdity.I am not just making unjustified remarks here,but during our several weeks back here in malaysia, after thorough discussions that we had at various levels with the locals in the muslim community here, a lot of misconceptions seem to be facing them. What I meant here is not the misunderstanding concerning their daily routine religious obligations but the big picture Of Islam that went a miss , slipping through their hands…Islam as the way of life, as being laid down by the Last Messenger(pbuh)1432 years ago is not realised.
Therefore , it is not actually a surprise when those issues of controversial stigma by the ruling government invite criticisms from the minority christians population.So, my suggestion to you, this comes deep down my heart, as a monotheistic believer in Faith , befriend those religious statesmen and colleagues of yours in the opposition alliance , continue to engage with them, be it on political or humanitarian cause for the betterment of its people regardless of faith,creed or colour.God willing, with serious and good intended efforts,the true malaysian creed will prevail.
The global populace is fast changing with trials and tribulations everywhere.Don”t let malaysians be left riding a strange bandwagon,heading towards doom.Surely, there is so much to be done… but at the end of the day….sooth every heart that ponders on righteousness , if ever they had one.
Thank you…. take care.
Best regards.
Global Muslim Outreach
Trinidad and Tobago.
Strong words but sadly they need to be spoken. It should not have come to this stage. But some people just will not listen as they think they are above the law. Beyond sad.
YB Teresa..
Looks like the govt of the day crumbled under immense pressure from the opposition..and hehe.. could it be becos of the uncoming S’wak polls?? Cheap sales huh??? lol. Keep up the pressure!! bravo!!
There is a possibility that international ruling bodies can be appealed to when government actions are deemed unconstitutional. In this and many previous posts you’ve rightly pointed out the many clauses in the federal constitution that are violated in clear fashion. Surely there must some sort of consequence or sanction that can be applied by supranational bodies……after all governments are not all-mighty and aloof