PETALING JAYA: The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) has called on the Government to re-look its restriction on Bibles written in Bahasa Malaysia.
CFM vice-chairman Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng said considering that Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, it was perplexing that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia was classified under Section 22 of the Internal Security Act as a document “prejudicial to the national interest and security of the Federation.”
“Though special exemption was made for this Bible to be used by Christians in churches, in this modern day and age when almost anything can be accessed on the Internet, it is regrettable that our Holy Scriptures are still seen as ‘prejudicial to the security’ of the country,” Dr Eu said.
Dr Eu made this suggestion at the CFM’s open house which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attended, referring to a previous statement that Abdullah had made, saying that his last mission before he leaves office next March would be to cool racial and religious tensions in the country.
“This is our wish for Christmas and we know these things will certainly ease tensions and it will definitely have a positive impact on your legacy,” Dr Eu said.
He also thanked Abdullah for opening up democratic space, which has brought greater freedom of expression.
He also pledged that the CFM would stand committed to and fervent in nation building.
ROYCE CHEAH
Star Online
26/12/08
CFM vice-chairman Rev Dr Eu Hong Seng said considering that Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, it was perplexing that the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia was classified under Section 22 of the Internal Security Act as a document “prejudicial to the national interest and security of the Federation.”
“Though special exemption was made for this Bible to be used by Christians in churches, in this modern day and age when almost anything can be accessed on the Internet, it is regrettable that our Holy Scriptures are still seen as ‘prejudicial to the security’ of the country,” Dr Eu said.
Dr Eu made this suggestion at the CFM’s open house which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attended, referring to a previous statement that Abdullah had made, saying that his last mission before he leaves office next March would be to cool racial and religious tensions in the country.
“This is our wish for Christmas and we know these things will certainly ease tensions and it will definitely have a positive impact on your legacy,” Dr Eu said.
He also thanked Abdullah for opening up democratic space, which has brought greater freedom of expression.
He also pledged that the CFM would stand committed to and fervent in nation building.
ROYCE CHEAH
Star Online
26/12/08
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