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Bibles released in Malaysia
By Frank Kaufmann - Saturday, April 9, 2011The government of Malaysia confirmed Saturday that the proposed 10-pointsolution has paved successfully the way for the release of the 35,100 Bibles inBahasa Malaysia, which were impounded in Port Klang and Kuching.While attracting relatively little attention worldwide, Malaysia has been wrestlingwith a matter of global significance now in its third year. Political tensions aroserelated to the question of permitting use of the term Allah in Bible translations.The issue is serious, and not easily solved.By the grace of God, Malaysia thus far staved off a potentially explosive outcomewith only minor incidents of violence. Leaders have put forward a reconciliationproposal to meet these challenges peacefully. This demonstrates positive goodwill on all sides of the issue, and models the possibility of harmonious relationsamong Muslims and Christian in contentious situations. Malaysian leaders,including (or perhaps especially) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak shouldbe greatly praised for their devotion and important success for the moment.Malaysia is a multiracial countrycomprising approximately 60.4% Muslimsadherents. Malaysia is a de-facto secular regime, with Islam as the state religion.Christians make up9.1% of the Malaysian population. The other important thingto know isthe geographical interweavingof Malaysia and Indonesia, the largestMuslim country in the world, with its own very pointed challenges in Muslim-Christian relations, especially related to the East Nusa Tenggara province and thehorrible affairs onTimor Island. Malaysia's interreligious tensions and whether ornot they are resolved peacefully have enormous implications for the region, andbeyond. The Bible translation issue in Malaysia represents a vital test case forChristian-Muslim relations worldwide. On March 9, 2009, 5100 Bibles were detained by the Malaysian government inPort Klang, near Kuala Lumpur. The issue had to do with language and translation,most pointedly regarding the use of the term Allah in these Bibles. Another30,000Bibles were detainedthis year on January 12 on the island of Borneo. In 2007 agovernment order was issued that bans non-Muslims from translating the wordGod as “Allah” in their literature. The federal government does not allow non-Muslims in Malaysia from translating God as “Allah” in their literature, saying itwould confuse Muslims in this multi-ethnic, Muslim-majority country. Christiangroups saythe ban is unconstitutional, arguing that the word “Allah” predatesIslam.Resolving such issues technically is beyond political competency, yet political
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decisions are required nevertheless. Political institutions are poorly equipped toresolve matters so deeply religious. A major problem stems from the fact thatwhether Malaysiais an Islamic state or secular stateremains unresolved. Therewere a number of missteps at finding solutions, including early plans to stamp theBibles “for Christians only” along with a serial number so the Bibles could betracked. If a Muslim was found with such a Bible, it could be tracked back to itsprevious owner — and thoseChristians would be prosecuted for trying to convertMuslims to Christianity.As of today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak put forward with seemingsincerity (though of course some accuse him of political motives) what strikes thisreader as an important and elevated attempt to move his country forward, and topioneer the pursuit of interreligious harmony, and religious freedom in Malaysia.Every time a government meets such intense challenges and succeeds asMalaysia seemingly has, the delicate and elusive ideal of religious harmony andfreedom is advanced to the benefit of us all.The 10-point solution to the Al-Kitab issue announced last Saturday reads asfollows:1. Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, includingBahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.2. These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabahand Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcome bythe Christian groups.3. Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban,Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally andimported.4. For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian communityin these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation andlocal printing of the Bibles in all languages, including BahasaMalaysia/Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirementfor any stamp or serial number.5. Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community, forPeninsular Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported orprinted, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross signprinted on the front covers.6. In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travelbetween Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, there should beno prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their biblesand Christian materials on such travel.7. A directive on the Bible has been issued by the Secretary General (KSU)of the Home Ministry to ensure proper implementation of this cabinetdecision. Failure to comply will subject the officers to disciplinary actionunder the General Orders. A comprehensive briefing by top officials,including the Attorney General (AG), will be given to all relevant civilservants to ensure good understanding and proper implementation of 
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the directive.8. For the impounded Bibles in Kuching, Gideon, the importer can collectall the 30,000 Bibles free of charge. We undertake to ensure the partiesinvolved are reimbursed. The same offer remains available for theimporter of the 5,100 Bibles in Port Klang, which have already beencollected by the Bible Society Malaysia (BSM) last week.9. Beyond the Bible issue, the Government wishes to reiterate itscommitment to work with the Christian groups and all the differentreligious groups in order to address inter religious issues and worktowards the fulfilment of all religious aspirations in accordance with theconstitution, taking into account the other relevant laws of the country.In order to bring urgency to this work, the Prime Minister will meet therepresentatives of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) soon todiscuss the way forward.10. The Christian Ministers in the cabinet will meet on a regular basis withrepresentatives of the various Christian groups in order to discuss theirissues and work with the relevant Ministries and PM in order to resolvethem.Christian ministers in the cabinet approve this resolution. The owners of theseBibles, the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM), the legal owners of the 5,100 Biblesimpounded in Port Klang, and Gideon, the importer of the 30,000 Bibles in Kuchinghave agreed to retrieve their respective shipments.Thegovernment apologizedwhile announcing the 10 point resolution:Datuk Seri Idris Jala, a spokesman for the government said that "in spiteof our shortcomings in the management of this Bible issue, we hope thatChristians will forgive us," and added that there is a need for care,forgiveness and reconciliation among Malaysians, "despite all thewounds created by our differences." The Bible Society of Malaysia hasaccepted the solution proposed by the government. Its president, LeeMin Choon, in a statement said they were “deeply touched by thegovernment’s humility in admitting its shortcomings in its managementof the problem and in asking for forgiveness." "The Bible Society of Malaysia forgives, without hesitation," he said.Muslims are less pleased:The 10-point proposal has also drawn the ire of Muslim groups, who viewit as the government caving in to Christian pressure.Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria expressed his disappointment, reportedlysaying, “If the government does this, just cancel the law,” in reference tovarious state Islamic enactments that prohibit the use of the word“Allah” and other so-called Islamic terms that led to the banning of theMalay Bible. Malay Bibles have not been allowed to be printed locally forfear that they will utilize “prohibited” words.
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