1. Malaysia Chronicle (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com)
Jais-DUMC: Christians alarmed over the rampant politicising of Sultan's words , 13 October 2011
by Maria Begum, Malaysia Chronicle
Christian groups were unfazed at news that Muslim NGOs planned to form an umbrella body 'Himpun' to protest apostasy, agreeing that everyone had the right to peaceful assembly and to express their views in a civil and orderly manner.
However, they also admitted they were alarmed at the 'politicising' that was taking place in Selangor after the Sultan's statement on the Jais-DUMC raid.
"It is as if a floodgate has opened. We are alarmed not at Himpun or their plans to protest apostasy but at the undercurrents that have been unleashed. Sad to say, these have the familar aroma of religious and racial politicking," Ramon Navaratnam, a Christian lay leader and past president of Transparency International, told Malaysia Chronicle.
Clarion cry for Selangor Umno
On Monday, the Selangor Sultan had issued a long-anticipated ruling on the August 3 raid Jais or the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department had conducted on a dinner event at the Damansara Utama Methodist Centre.
The Sultan's statement clearly sided Jais, although he said no action would be taken against any party despite indications of attempted proselytisation of Muslims. He also expressed displeasure over such attempts and called on the state Islamic authorities to ensure that there would be no such recurrence.
Umno-linked NGOs immediately seized on his words as clarion cry to defend Islam from the unbelievers.
"The Selangor Palace and its people can trust us to bear the heavy responsibility of ensuring that the Sultan's wishes and commitment of not wanting the faith of Muslims to be compromised will be upheld," Himpun secretary Aminuddin Yahaya had said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
In its Facebook page, Himpun had said, "Recently, the Christianisation movement and some non-Muslims groups have dared to threaten the faith of Muslims. They have dared to make demands on issues such as apostasy, Malay-language Bible, the use of the word Allah and Jais".
Dirty politicking
Himpun plans to hold its anti-apostasy rally ‘Himpunan Sejuta Umat Selamatkan Akidah' (Gathering of a million to save the faith) on Oct 22 at the Shah Alam Stadium.
"We are confident that hundreds of thousands of people will flood the stadium to express opposition against any threats against their faith and it will reflect the solidarity and consolidation of Muslims without considering descent, socio-economic status or political ideology," said Aminuddin.
As expected, PKR turncoat and now Umno Senator Mohd Ezam Noor has emerged as key player in the Jais-DUMC episode, declaring plans to conduct a roadshow against apostasy with another ex-PKR member, Zulkifli Noordin, the Kulim Bandar Baharu MP.
"Starting this week, I with Zulkifli Nordin will conduct roadshows against the apostasy agenda. We also stand with NGOs and parties in the gathering of a million people," Ezam wrote in his Twitter.
He is believed to have masterminded the plot to use the apostasy issue to rally the conservative Muslims in Selangor against the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government.
Selangor Umno has vowed to regain the state government at all costs, and within Umno circles, Prime Minister Najib Razak is believed to have promised Ezam the Mentri Besar's post if they succeeed.
2. Malaysiakini（http://www.malaysiakini.com）
(1) NGO: Apologise to Muslims for conversion attempt, 11 October 2011
A Muslim NGO has demanded an apology to all Muslims from those involved in the controversial thanksgiving dinner held at the premises of the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC).
This is because it is clear from Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s decree yesterday that there indeed were attempts to subvert the faith and beliefs of Muslims at the function, although legal action could not be taken because of a lack of evidence, the NGO said.
In a statement today, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) said it welcomed the sultan’s remarks assuring Muslims that the integrity of their faith was under his watch and care against “the threat of Christianisation”.
“The (issues raised by the event) have caused Muslims to feel concerned that it will become a concern and a threat if not stopped," said Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abdul Rahman.
“His (Highness’) stand, which views Jais’ actions objectively, has shown his concern for this sensitive issue.”
Jais, or the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department, had raided a thanksgiving function on Aug 3 organised by Harapan Komuniti, a welfre group, at the auditorium of the DUMC.
The department claimed to be investigation allegations that Muslims were being subjected to Christian proselytisation. It then conducted a probe on 12 Muslims who had been present that evening.
'View issues holistically'
Isma also called on state religious councils and religious affairs departments nationwide to learn from the incident and “always take proactive measures to see issues holistically".
Rather than treat the 12 as having committed a ‘crime’, Isma said they should be perceived as victims of conversion attempts and counselled so that any confusion or misunderstanding they may have about their faith can be corrected.
This includes taking measures that address the family background, social interactions and problems and other factors that may have made them susceptible to the plans and tactics of Christian evangelists.
In addition to recommending that the staff of Islamic affairs departments be made more aware of their responsibilities in upholding the sanctity of Islam, Isma also urged that the level of the services and operating procedures of these bodies be improved.
“That the organiser of the event was let off (without) any charge should serve as a (lesson).”
Brave in telling the truth
Meanwhile, according to Bernama, Malaysia Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) president Amidi Abdul Manan said the sultan's statement was rational and also showed compassion as enjoined by Islam.
"Tuanku's statement is meaningful for all as it was firm and brave in telling the truth on attempts to proselytise Muslims but at the same time, encouraged mutual respect to preserve religious harmony.
"It is clear that his majesty very much understands the spirit of consensus and at the same time, is firm about curbing extreme religious groups," he was quoted as saying.
Amidi said Jais' action, which was within its jurisdiction, had given a clear message to the group involved to respect Islam as the official religion of this country, as provided in the federal constitution, and not to repeat their offending action.
According to the news agency, Kelantan Isma branch head Sharipudin Ab Kadir said the sultan's statement on the issue was apt and had taken into account the syariah provisions in Selangor and other states.
"Counselling should be actively carried out, among other measures, to resolve the socio-economic problems of those Muslims needing help," he said.
(2) Anti-apostasy rally group pumped by sultan's decree, 12 October 2011
A group of Muslim NGOs, which have coalesced under the banner of 'Himpun' for a planned anti-apostasy rally, said today it was encouraged by the Selangor sultan's recent statement.
"The statement by the palace has made us, the leaders of Muslim NGOs and our members, more confident in our effort to defend and save the faith of Muslims in this country," Himpun secretary Aminuddin Yahaya said in a statement released today.
The coalition is planning an anti-apostasy rally dubbed ‘Himpunan Sejuta Umat Selamatkan Akidah' (Gathering of a million to save the faith).
"We are confident that hundreds of thousands of people will flood the stadium to express opposition against any threats against their faith and it will reflect the solidarity and consolidation of Muslims without considering descent, socio-economic status or political ideology," said Aminuddin.
In a statement on Monday, the Selangor sultan had justified the raid by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) on an event at a Damansara Utama Methodist Church hall.
However, he said no action would be taken against any party, despite indications of attempted proselytising of Muslims.
The sultan also expressed displeasure over such attempts and called on the state Islamic authorities to ensure that there would be no such recurrence.
"The Selangor palace and its people can trust us to bear the heavy responsibility of ensuring that the sultan's wishes and commitment of not wanting the faith of Muslims to be compromised will be upheld," said Aminuddin.
It is unclear who leads the coalition but Senator Mohd Ezam Nor (left) has been a fierce critic when the Jais raid controversy first broke out and had even sniped at non-Muslim exco members in the Selangor government.
In a recent posting on micro-blogging site Twitter, Ezam announced that he would be conducting a roadshow against apostasy.
"Starting this week, I with (Kulim Bandar Baru MP) Zulkifli Nordin (will conduct) roadshows against the apostasy agenda. (We) also stand with NGOs and parties in the gathering of a million people," he wrote.
According to the Himpun rally's Facebook page, this appears to be a direct reaction to religious controversies over the past years, with the most recent being the Jais raid.
"Recently, the Christianisation movement and some non-Muslims groups have dared to threaten the faith of Muslims. They have dared to make demands on issues such as apostasy, Malay-language Bible, the use of the word Allah and Jais..." its description reads.
The rally is expected to take place on Oct 22 at the Shah Alam Stadium.
(3) Apologise to whom? For what?, 12 October 2011
Let there be freedom, to think at least and to express what is rational to avoid misunderstanding and hatred in a multi-religious society. Let us all Malaysians respect one another's religion.
NGO: Apologise to Muslims for conversion attempt
Proarte: People who speak on behalf of Islam should at least have some integrity and decency. Islam must stand for universal good values, otherwise it becomes a failed moral order which will bring about endless strife and disorder.
The statement by Isma shows they do not believe in the rule of law. It was officially stated that there was lack of evidence and hence the church could not be charged. Apologising for proselytising would be to admit guilt for something the church from the very beginning categorically stated it did not do.
What standard of proof does Isma's brand of Islam stand for? You condemn a person through lack of evidence?
If this is Islam, then it's no wonder we see evil and barbaric aspects of it throughout the world. The latest atrocity is the mob murder of 24 Coptic Christians and serious injury to hundreds of others. If Muslims are not busy killing each other, they find any excuse for stoking up tensions, even though there is lack of evidence
Ben-ghazi: ‘There indeed were attempts to subvert the faith and beliefs of Muslims at the function, although legal action could not be taken because of a lack of evidence, the NGO said.'
This is really puzzling, and amounts to something like 'doublespeak.' To say that there are attempts to convert must be based on some evidence. Yet, in the next breath, it says 'no action could be taken because of lack of evidence'.
How is our younger generation going to take this kind of 'adult' logic?
RR: Let there be freedom, to think at least and to express what is rational to avoid misunderstanding and hatred in a multi-religious society. Gandhi said, 'There is no path for peace. Peace is the only path.'
Let us all Malaysians respect one another's religion and remain in that religion you are born into as an ordain of God. In your next life, you may be born into the religion that you cherished so much in this life. Or, if you can't wait, go to a land where there is absolute freedom to convert to avoid all this bigotry.
Henry Hock Guan Teh: The Prophet Muhammad travelled afar, trying to convert idol worshippers to become Muslims. Should he apologise? Buddha taught his philosophy and many Hindus at that time converted to Buddhism. Should Gautama apologise? Jesus and his Apostles preached and many Jews converted to Christianity. Should Jesus apologise?
All the body snatchers who claimed that the deceased Catholics had converted to Islam, should the Muslim apologise? I think on Judgment Day, it will be too late for us to apologise to our friends that we failed to share to them about the truth of God.
Clean & Clear: Apologise for what? To people who claim that "there were attempts to subvert the faith and beliefs of Muslims" but at the same time say that "legal action could not be taken because of a lack of evidence"?
It baffles me that how these sadly misguided people can come out with such a statement that can cause the rakyat to question the wisdom of our sultan and the stupidity of Jais.
There is either evidence or no evidence. If there is a lack of evidence, then how do you conclude that proselytising had taken place?
Bishop: Hasan has been 'grossly negligent'
Louis: Why must Pakatan Rakyat still retain Hasan Ali? Bishop Paul Tan is simply right in his comment. Hasan Ali is no match to debate Paul over this matter. When the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) committed the serious mistake of raiding the Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC), the only way to save face is to ask the sultan to solve it for them.
If Jais really has the evidence, the right person to decide whether to prosecute or not is the attorney-general.
Hibiscus: Hasan Ali poses a danger to the well-being of the rakyat and Selangor Pakatan government if he continues to be in the executive council. His actions are impulsive and his views are skewed towards his own self-righteous thinking without a thought for others, and he does not exhibit soundness of thought.
It is just fortunate that he is not a practising medical doctor, because if he was, his patients would have suffered unnecessarily from incorrect prescription due to his quack methods.
fz2379: I personally pity Hasan Ali for being the only brave soul from PAS to stand his ground when others mocked him. By far, I see Hasan Ali as a fighter, the brave one, comparing him with the likes of Mat Sabu, Nizar Jamaluddin and other PAS stalwarts who won't cower like mice when in trouble.
If (ex-PAS president) Fadhil Noor was still alive, he would go furious over this matter. And trust me when I say this, that Fadhil may even have made PAS leave Pakatan for this folly.
Mind you, this is not the first time PAS had to take orders from the Pakatan alliance. Remember the ‘arak' (alcohol) case in Shah Alam? Remember the fight over ‘Kalimah Allah'? What about the ‘rumah urut' (massage parlours) in Selangor?
Personally, I think PAS strayed too far from its objective, which is to protect Islam.
Loyal Malaysian: Hear, hear, Bishop Paul Tan. Let PAS be served notice that Hasan's actions are looked upon with disgust and contempt by civil society members. As an elected representative of PAS, we hold PAS responsible and accountable for this rogue element's ridiculous actions.
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda.
(4) Don: Even the palace is subject to criticism, 12 October 2011
Constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari says the Malay Rulers, like public institutions, are subject to public scrutiny and this does not amount to being disrespectful to them.
Ratepayers have every right to evaluate the ruler's performance and the exercising of their constitutional powers, the International Islamic University law lecturer said.
"From the Islamic point of view, one would find an even more rigorous standard, where one man stood up and reminded Caliph Umar that he would correct him by his sword.
"Under the Sedition Act 1948, it is fine to criticise the rulers so long as it does not advocate the abolition of the institution (of monarchy)," Aziz said in a statement to Malaysiakini.
He was responding to a front-page report by Utusan Malaysia today, which claimed that his comments which appeared in the Bahasa Malaysia version of Malaysiakini yesterday, were disrespectful to the Selangor sultan.
The point of contention is Aziz's comment that the Selangor sultan's intervention in the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) raid on church premises was "unconventional".
The Utusan report also quotes Aziz saying that the sultan, as the head of Islam in Selangor, has the right to do but his decrees must be in line with Islam and consistent.
Expert on role of monarchy
Aziz said he has published various books and papers that take a critical look at the role and powers of the Malaysian monarchy.
This includes his 1996 PhD thesis The Development and Role of Constitutional Monarchy in Malaysia and his 2002 book Majlis Raja-raja: Kedudukannya dalam Perlembagaan, which was launched by the Agong then.
Apart from his, Aziz said, he had taken a more critical line following the Perak constitutional crisis in 2009.
"I just think that some of the rulers have crossed the line. They have turned their back on the constitution.
"While some of them may say they are just doing what is allowed by the constitution, I would say they should not take the provisions literally and out of context."
On Monday, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had decreed that Jais had found indications that there were attempts to subvert the faith of Muslims present at an Aug 3 function at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church hall.
However, action could not be taken because of insufficient evidence.
The sultan said non-Muslims should not spread their beliefs to Muslims, as stipulated in Article 11 of the federal constitution and the Selangor non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims) Enactment 1988.
• General Election
(5) Malaysiakini accused of undermining royal institution, 12 October 2011
News portal Malaysiakini has been accused of undermining the royal institution in today's front-page report in Umno-owned Utusan Malaysia.
Under the headline ‘Questioning of sultan’s decree condemned’, the report is a prelude to two other articles in an inside page that also condemning Malaysiakini.
“Malaysiakini failed to exercise prudence as a media organisation. The action of publishing those comments clearly undermines the credibility of the Selangor sultan,” Malaysian Youth Council president Mohamed Maliki Mohamed Rapiee is quoted as saying.
He was referring to readers’ comments on a Malaysiakini report quoting constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari on the Selangor sultan's decree relating to an event at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church.
Abdul Aziz had described the sultan’s intervention in the raid by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Council as unconventional.
He said that any intervention by the head of Islam in the state has to be in line with the principles of the religion.
The report also quoted Malaysian Malays Network chief Azwandin Hamzah as accusing Abdul Aziz of being disrespectful to the sultan.
In a separate report on the same page, it quoted Senator Ezam Mohd Noor calling on the government to investigate Malaysiakini.
“Their action is clearly to incite dissatisfaction against the main institutions... The action of allowing its readers to leave comments is also seen as sowing more conflict over the issue,” Ezam was quoted as saying.
On Monday, the Selangor sultan had said in a statement that, based on a Jais report, there were indications of attempts to proselytise Muslims, but that there was insufficient evidence for action against any party.
(6) Sultan in position to defuse religious tension, 13 October 2011
The ruler has called for the Jais-DUMC chapter to be closed, therefore those seeking the limelight to project themselves as defenders of the faith must be put in their place.
Anti-apostasy rally group pumped by sultan's decree
Disbeliever: The Sultan of Selangor's recent statement has opened the flood gates for "Christian battering".
If indeed there was attempted proselytising of Muslims, charge the minority involved. Do not say there is not enough evidence.
The sultan's recent statement has caused unnecessary worry among the Christians and has fuelled Muslim NGOs to speak out (at most times without sense) against Christians.
I am afraid there will be no end to this issue as one Muslim NGO after another will seek the limelight to project itself as defender of the faith.
We Christians are God-loving people who just want to live in peace and harmony among Malaysians of all faiths and cultures and at the same time, we request to be allowed to practise our faith without hindrance or "threats".
Until and unless the sultan issues a statement for the closure of this issue, there will be no end to this. Ampun Tuanku.
Anak,bangsa,malaysia: The report should not have come from Jais as it could be biased. An independent report is the way to go.
For now. this statement from the sultan has given rise to a demonstration by the Muslim NGOs. Can the sultan do anything about this and advise the Muslims to calm down?
What about the reports from the 12 Muslims who attended the dinner? Did the sultan ask for them? What about a report from DUMC?
The sultan, as the head of Islam must be fair and must be seen to be fair because not only the Muslims are his subjects but non-Muslims too. Senator Ezam Mohd Nor and company must obey the sultan as he wants this chapter to be closed.
Lbl: The Sultan has decreed that this matter should end. Umno wants to continue this matter. Who is footing the bill for all these rallies?
Jiminy Qrikert: This constant barrage of attacks against non-Malays and non-Muslims has been going on for the last two years.
Starting with 'pendatang' and a barrage of insults against our ancestors and our women, against Chinese, Indians, Hindus, Christians, they have been toggling between baseless accusations followed by outright terror attacks and stoking the siege mentality in Malays, hoping to spark a firestorm that engulfs the whole country, allowing BN-Umno to stomp right in with martial law and the indefinite suspension of Parliament.
I pray the rakyat will not be that stupid to allow BN such an opportunity. We do our fighting in GE13!
1M: Do you believe that Umno Senator Mohd Ezam Nor is so religious? Do you think he cares? No, this is all politics, orchestrated by none other than Umno, an indication that GE13 is near. The rally on Oct 22 will be very peaceful, because Christian groups will not interfere with them.
If it becomes emotional and causes racial hatred, it will all be their own doing.
Hanyayangbenar: They are not the voice of the majority of Muslims. These so-called Muslim NGOs are only puppets of their political mastersm mainly from Umno to instil hatred towards other faiths and to sow distrust among one another.
As long as these religious bigots have the blessings from the Umno higher echelon, the problem will never end.
Murthi Katherason: We must unite and help ‘Himpun' because they are uniting for anti-apostasy. I sincerely wish I could join them and stop anyone from converting anyone. Everyone must stick with their own faith.
Jaguh: The sultan meant well. But his message and actions have been misused by this group of has-been opportunists to try and get some publicity.
The only people who will back them are equal losers. Why even bother to be afraid of apostasy when one is a strong believer of one's own religion? This is really getting ridiculous - or rather, hilarious.
Gerard Samuel Vijayan: The Christians in East Malaysia should also hold their rally in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu to protest against the conversion of Christians in both states to Islam through threats, intimidation and bribes without the knowledge of family and friends.
They should also protest against the Islamisation agenda in the East Malaysian states. Islam is not the state religion in Sarawak and in Sabah, the Muslims are not the majority.
The Christians have a right to publish the Bible in Malay, use the term ‘Allah' to refer to their God and to protect their faith and places of worship from interference by Muslim religious authorities.
But unlike these extremist Muslim NGOs with their racist and religious bigotry agenda, the Christians are docile, dignified, peace loving and sensible.
The Christians will show their displeasure come GE13 and without the 55 seats from East Malaysia, Umno can kiss goodbye to forming the federal government and pursuing its Ketuanan Melayu agenda.
Anonymous_3f15: ...check how many Malays got converted officially? Also check how many Christians got converted to Islam?
Obedient Wives Club courts controversy with sex guide
Chuath: One cannot help but pity the Jews. What have they to do with a women's club tucked away in some small country? The club members surely can do whatever they like behind closed doors, without thinking about the Jews! So funny-lah, this country.
1M: Do what you want to do about training your women to become sexually competent, just leave the Jews alone. They have nothing to do with your husbands going to prostitutes!
I wonder whether Jais or the vocal NGOs will say anything about this, and will there be another decree?
Cintaman: If what the Obedient Wives Club is saying is true and they can really prevent husbands from straying and visiting hookers, why not allow non-Muslim women to have access to such goodies as well?
Then we will really have a nation with good morals.
Ashoka PJ: I am curious. What did the Jews do that prompted this club to recommend fighting them to return Islamic sex to the world? What is Islamic sex by the way? Where can I buy the book?
Indian M'sian swing to BN elusive
Md.Noor Sulaiman: My advice to Indians is to stay out of the next general election if they are sure that they are not going to vote for BN/Umno. If you think BN/Umno is bad, Pakatan is even worse as they do not even value your Hindraf.
Karma: The fact that BN cares so much about Indian votes now is because it wants to stay in power. It now knows Indian votes matter a lot because the Malay and Chinese vote banks have dwindled.
The BN also knows it is easy to please Indians just with schools and temples. Wait till BN comes back to power and Indians will know BN will never change. MCA and Gerakan are struggling today. But MIC is relaxed because it perceives that Indians are voting for BN again.
Mr KJ John: Only when MIC finds the political will to say no to Umno will the more informed Malaysians of Indian heritage return to BN. Not otherwise!
Docs: As an Indian myself, here is my take on the Indian voters: They are divided into three groups. (a) The minority of educated or smart Indians. Most of these have climbed up the socio-economic ladder all by themselves with whatever skills they have - brains, education or good business savvy. This group is anti-BN and despises MIC.
(b) Those Indians that are members of BN component parties like PPP and MIC that make a living from the crumbs that fall from Umno's table. They will vote BN and try to persuade other Indians to vote BN to keep their financial lifeline going.
(c) The ordinary Indians. They make up the majority of the Indian Malaysian population and have been marginalised by the government.
Their voting pattern is based on emotion. At the time of the election if BN's (empty) promises are more interesting they will vote BN. A walkabout by PM Najib to an Indian enclave and a RM50 ang pow can sway them to BN. A Hindraf-like protest can sway them to Pakatan.
Lakia: Indian Malaysians are like the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. Najib talks all the time about 1Malaysia Rakyat Didahulukan (IMalaysia, People First) but on the ground the natives of Sabah and Sarawak are losing their customary land everyday to the BN and its cronies, the big tycoons.
It is these tycoons who are didahulukan under Najib's 1Malaysia. The natives of Sabah and Sarawak are supposed to be bumiputera and given special privileges and protection by the government. But under BN, they became landless and squatters on their own ancestral land.
The Indians will be worse off, for they are not even accorded such protection and privileges like the Sabah and Sarawak natives. Even the ordinary Malays suffer the same fate. It's Umno/BN that is the sole source of our problems.
So vote Umno/BN out once and for all. Our immediate neighbour, Thailand, just voted out the previous ruling party and brought in a woman from a new party as the new PM. Thailand did not go bankrupt or chaotic. Nor did it collapse.
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda.
(7) Muslim NGOs the real threat to Islam,15 October 2011
'A Malay Bible will not cause a ripple in other Muslim countries. I believe the Muslims' faith over here is not as weak as these NGOs take it to be.'
NGO lodges police report on Malay Bible
David Dass: This is the age of the internet. There are thousands of religious sites on the internet explaining and expounding the tenets of every religion. Bookshops and libraries are stocked with books from every faith.
Adherents of one faith will read the religious texts of other faiths to advance their knowledge of spirituality or to advance their spirituality. Sometimes just out of curiosity, some may convert. This is inevitable.
Malay is the national language of Malaysia. The medium of instruction in schools is Malay. The natives of Sabah and Sarawak often use Malay as a primary language. The Christians among them have been using the Indonesian Bible or Al-Kitab for generations - long before they came into Malaysia.
The term for ‘God' in the Indonesian Bible is ‘Allah'. ‘Allah' is an Arabic term for God and was used by the Christians to describe God long before the time of Prophet Muhammad.
The High Court has ruled that it is lawful for non-Muslims to use the term ‘Allah'. What is this fuss really about?
ONG: Malaysia is the one and only country in the world where the government bans the use of its own national language. Malaysia is the one and only country in the world where followers of the Christian faith are compelled to practise their religion using foreign languages.
Louis: There they go again. A Malay Bible will not cause a ripple in other Muslim countries. But it is a big deal over here.
I believe the Muslims' faith over here is not as weak as these NGOs take it to be. It is an insult to them that a mere bible will shake their faith. These NGOs are just making a mountain out of a mole hill.
Not Confused: I just don't believe these NGOs are constantly in fear of their religion being sidelined. To me, it just indicates that these people have little or no faith in their fellow Muslims and that Islam is weak and in turmoil.
I always thought that Islam was robust and strong, but I am now fast coming to the conclusion that these so-called ‘defenders of the faith' organisations are weak and not committed to their faith.
Passerby: There is nothing to stop all sorts of groups from claiming that they received the Malay bibles from Muslims. They don't have to account to anyone, just like Jais (Selangor Islamic Affairs Department) recently.
Even if there is no evidence, they can still say there is evidence. Non-Muslims cannot use 'Allah' and Muslims cannot use the English word 'God' or 'God' in any other vernacular language spoken, other than BM. Stupid is as stupid does.
Free Thinker: Can everyone get this straight: religion (Islam) is not confined to a single language (Malay). If it is, then what about the Indians (Malayalees and Telugus), Chinese Muslims and others who use their own languages to read the Quran?
Bob Teoh: So much for the 10-point solution by Idris Jala. By the way, the Al-Kitab can be downloaded on the internet free. So are these Muslim NGOs going to file another police report?
AnonymousB: Now we know why we have so many problems confronting this nation. It is always "this is out of bounds", "that is sensitive", "this is seditious" and "that is unquestionable".
Look, at one time the world was assumed flat and those questioning it had paid their lives for holding on to their belief.
Malaysia will be a third world tribal country in no time if we are not quick enough to put these cavemen where they belong, in the cave.
Top religious leaders back Apostasy Act
MfM: You need to understand Islam to know why such an Act is being proposed. I for one would rather not have this act imposed upon non-Muslims, but instead enforce the actual syariah punishment for apostasy upon the apostate himself.
No manner of persuasion or coercion should be able to force a Muslim to leave his state of belief. If he does, he is deemed to have acted in treasonous manner. An apostate, when he declares himself as one, is seen as a poison to others and thus, all the four ‘madzhab' of the Ahlul Sunnah agree that the punishment is death.
That is what the Apostasy Act should be about. Syariah law applies to Muslims. And as such, the law on apostasy as well.
Before somebody here says there is no compulsion in Islam, let me explain it. There is no compulsion for someone to become a Muslim and accept Islam. But if you're already a Muslim, regardless of whether by birth or reversion, you accept the laws of Islam and the punishments should you go against these laws.
Passerby: Isn't it just a Muslim's belief that when he leaves Islam for another religion, an apostate is still a Muslim? Yet, when he embraces another religion, he has by definition left Islam, and has passed into another religion.
So by wanting to kill an apostate, you are forcing a believer in another religion to conform to yours. If an apostate leaves Islam, he rejects all the tenets of Islam including its hold and rights over him.
The standard you set is not the standard anyone else has to live with. Whether once a Muslim or not.
Centurion: Corruption, I suppose, is acceptable to these holier-than-thou, so-called religious experts, considering their salaries are paid from my tax money.
Joker: If the muftis are so afraid of the non-Muslims influencing the Muslims, they should ask the government to only use funds from Islamic sources.
The government should set up a special Islamic account. No funds from corporate taxes should be channelled into this account as companies earn interest from the accounts in banks. Similarly, no royalties from Petronas should be used because again, Petronas earns interests.
Sales tax, import duties and other general tariffs also cannot be used because the goods may be non-halal. Only zakat payments and personal income taxes from Muslims can be used.
Care must be taken that the halal income tax not be parked in a general account which will mix it with non-halal sources.
TakBolehTahan: Seriously, no one is undermining anyone's faith, particularly the Muslims'. It is the Muslim politicians who keep undermining their own faith.
・The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda.
（End）
