1. The Star Online（http://thestar.com.my）
Ibrahim Ali quizzed by cops over Bible-burning remark, 24 January 2013
PETALING JAYA: Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali was called in for questioning by the Penang police over his Bible-burning remark following several reports lodged against him.
Penang deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said police had recorded Ibrahim's statement over his call for Malay-language Bibles with the world “Allah” to be burnt.
“We take the matter very seriously and will investigate his alleged statement thoroughly. He will be called again (for further investigations) in a few days.
“The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code for uttering words with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person as well as the Sedition Act,” he said when contacted.
SAC Abdul Rahim advised all quarters not to speculate on the matter as they should let the police handle it.
Ibrahim had allegedly called for the Malay version of the Bible containing the word “Allah” and Jawi script to be burnt.
This led to police reports lodged by various parties, including DAPchairman Karpal Singh, a few days ago.
Karpal has also called on Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail to take action against Ibrahim.
Police have warned members of the public not to attend the “Malay Bible-burning fair”, an event purported to take place on Sunday in Butterworth.
They said action would be taken against those who spread rumours on the issue and attend the event.
In IPOH, MIC Youth secretary C. Sivarraajh also lodged a report against Ibrahim and urged police to take action against him as soon as possible to prevent any untoward incident from happening.
MCA has condemned the purported “Bible-burning fest”, calling it “abhorrent and irresponsible”.
“Such an abhorrent and irresponsible misdeed has no room in peace-loving Malaysia,” said the party's publicity bureau deputy chairman Loh Seng Kok in a statement.
He also called for calm among Malaysians and allow police to investigate the matter.
“We also urge the police and local authorities to step up security patrols and enforcement in that area to discourage and prevent any logistics being set up or unwarranted incidents from occurring,” he said.
“We should also remember that it was DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who irresponsibly re-ignited the Allah' controversy just to fish for votes from a particular community,” he said.
Lim in his Christmas message last year urged the Federal Government to allow Christians to use the word “Allah” in the Bible.
2．The Malaysian Insider（http://www.themalaysianinsider.com）
DPM calls for calm over Bible-burning threat, 26 January 2013
by Boo Su-Lyn
SUNGAI BESAR, Jan 26 – Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged today for calm even as non-Muslims nationwide fume over Malay rights group Perkasa’s recent threat to burn Malay-language Bible over its use of the word “Allah”.
A Sabah church group said yesterday that the religious freedom of Christian Bumiputeras was under attack, pointing out that most Christians in Malaysia come from East Malaysia and use the Malay language.
“Don’t blow up the issue,” said Muhyiddin (picture) at a press conference here today.
“But people must consider other people’s sensitivities,” the deputy prime minister added.
Church leaders were further incensed over the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (JAKIM) Friday sermon yesterday that warned Muslims nationwide of attempts by “enemies of Islam” to confuse them into believing that all religions are the same.
JAKIM had insisted that “Allah”, a word that millions of Arab Christians and those in non-Arabic-speaking lands use to describe their God, belongs to Muslims exclusively to prevent Muslims from becoming confused over the true identity of the Muslim God.
Asked if people should not issue calls to burn Bibles, Muhyiddin said: “They said they did not make such remarks,” ostensibly referring to Perkasa.
Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali called on Muslims earlier this week to burn the Malay version of the Bible containing the word “Allah” and other religious Arabic script.
The police have called up Ibrahim, who is also the Pasir Mas MP, to record his statement, following calls by the Bar Council to charge him under the Sedition Act.
The “Allah” dispute, which first erupted after the historic 2008 general elections, remains a controversial topic in the run-up to this year’s polls that must be held by April.
Debate resurfaced last month after DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also the Penang chief minister, called on Putrajaya to lift a ban on Malay-language Bibles in Borneo Malaysia.
Several state rulers and Islamic religious authorities then reminded non-Muslims of state laws banning use of the word, despite conflicting with a 2009 High Court judgment that ruled “Allah” was not exclusive to Islam.
3．Malaysiakini （http://www.malaysiakini.com）
(1) Christians alarmed by Bible-burning 'plan', 22 January 2013
by Susan Loone
A Christian church in Butterworth lodged a police report today after it received an anonymous notice stating that there would be a "festival" to burn Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible this Sunday at 10am.
The notice invited the public to attend the event in front of Dewan Ahmad Badawi at the Bagan Luar municipality field in Butterworth. The A4-size leaflet was left in the church's letterbox.
Rev John Kennady of the St Marks Anglican Church, Butterworth, who lodged the report at the Butterworth station at 3pm, said he did it to alert the police.
It is not certain if the notice is a hoax as it was not signed and did not state who the organisers of the alleged event were.
"I saw the notice this morning and informed Bishop Ng Moon Hing. Then I lodged the police report," Kennady told Malaysiakini, when contacted.
"The police were very cooperative. They took the document, said they would investigate, and also check for fingerprints.
"They also said they would step up security around the church. The police take the matter seriously as it is a sensitive issue," he stressed.
Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi has late this evening warned that stern action would be taken against those who either spread rumours or are involved in the alleged planned Bible-burning event.
‘Abhorrent act'
Bishop Ng, who is chairperson of the Christian Federation of Malaysia, condemned the alleged event as an "abhorrent", saying it was first mooted by Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali following a report that several quarters were distributing bibles to Muslims.
"Now it seems someone or a group has threatened to make Bible-burning a reality this Sunday on a day most sacred to Christians," said Ng in a statement.
"All religious scriptures are sacred books and we should not threaten to burn them or to desecrate them in any manner.
"Christians are peace-loving people who will continue to seek peace and harmony across all religious groups for the well-being of our great country. We pray that good sense and moderation will prevail for all people in times such as these," he stressed.
Ng called on those who "desire to foment hatred for political gain to cease and desist from such a vile act - an act unbecoming of Malaysians who uphold the Rukunegara of which the first pillar is "belief in God".
Nibong Tebal Gospel Hall elder Teo Seang Hooi said he had yet to hear of or receive the notice but expressed hope that rational thinking would eventually prevail.
"We pray that all parties will exercise restraint and self-control and not blow things expressed by a small group of extremists out of proportion," said Teo, who is also a Seberang Perai Municipal councillor and DAP Nibong Tebal branch chief.
(2) Has PM forsaken Christians over Bible-burning threat?, 22 January 2013
The call by Malay rights group Perkasa for Muslims to burn the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible has stoked the ire of various quarters who question Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's inaction on the matter.
Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo said Najib could no longer remain silent on Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's call, which the DAP leader deems "criminal in nature".
He went on to call on Najib to prove his sincerity in telling Christian Malaysians last month that the government has "not forgotten" them.
"I call upon Najib to use all the might at his command as prime minister of Malaysia, as prime minister for all Malaysians, to speak up and correct this most gravest of wrongs perpetuated against Christians and all Malaysians.
"Silence on part of the prime minister in these circumstances will smash into bits the concept of 1Malaysia advanced by none other than he himself, and prove his critics correct in saying that such (a concept) was merely a hollow sham that was purely politically-motivated," Gobind said in a statement yesterday.
His sentiment was echoed by Movement for Change, Sarawak (MoCS), which said the Pasir Mas MP has been permitted to go administering his "religious poison", uttering offensive and inflammatory words against Christians and that this was the "last straw".
"How can any Malaysian, let alone government leaders with the right sense of mind, continue to tolerate the likes of Ibrahim Ali and his Perkasa group?" MoCs leader Francis Paul Siah said in a statement.
"We are very disappointed with the prime minister for doing nothing about it. At times, we wonder whether Najib is the prime minister of Sarawak and Sabah as well or only of Malaya."
Better for Sarawak to leave
Siah is so outraged by Ibrahim's attacks on the Christians - the majority of who live in the Borneo states - that he suggested Sarawak would be better off being independent.
"The list is too long to detail here but as it stands today, I cannot think of one good reason why Sarawak should remain in Malaysia," Siah said.
"We, Sarawakians, want no part in this heated quarrel over the 'Allah' issue. The people of Sabah and Sarawak have no religious or racial problems and we don't wish to be contaminated with ‘religious poison' from bigots and ‘dangerous' politicians like Ibrahim Ali from Malaya."
MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok said Ibrahim's actions were unbecoming of a MP who is supposed to represent Malaysians of all races and religious beliefs, and that the Perkasa call was not reflective of BN's multiracial approach.
Ibrahim had last Saturday urged Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible for using ‘Allah' for ‘God', saying this was the "only way" to stop non-Muslims from stirring up the sensitivities of Muslims in Malaysia.
(3) Muslims must protect other faiths, says Penang exco man, 23 January 2013
by Susan Loone
Penang state executive councillor on religious affairs Abdul Malik Kassim, has criticised the purported plan to burn Bibles in Butterworth, saying this is not the face of true Islam.
"We are taught to protect others - even those of other religions - and their places of worship, including their holy books, so how can certain quarters call for them to be burned?" Abdul Malik asked when contacted.
"We are told not to throw, kick or burn any holy book. Those who want to do these acts are discrediting Islam in the eyes of the world," Abdul Malik, who is state PKR vice-president, told Malaysiakini.
Abdul Malik said the state government had informed the police and obtained their assurance that they would step up security in the coming days as the plan to burn copies of the book was allegedly intended for Sunday, at 10am, on the Bagan Luar Municipal Field.
He was responding to a police report lodged at the Butterworth police station by St Marks Anglican Church Rev John Kennady who received a leaflet inviting the public to attend the purported event.
The notice came days after Perkasa president and Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali called for the copies to be burned to prevent those from distributing it to Malay Muslims.
Ibrahim was reacting to reports lodged by several individuals when they found copies distributed to Muslim students outside a school in Jelutong, as claimed by the police.
Abdul Malik said there are proper laws for those found to be distributing Bibles to non-Muslims, urging the public to "keep calm" and leave the matter to the police and not take the law into their own hands.
"If anyone is found to be proselytising to Muslims there are laws to deal with them," said the Batu Maung assemblyperson.
Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi has said the case is being probed under Section 298 of the Penal Code that deals with religious conflict.
'Home Ministry to blame'
Meanwhile, State Islamic Council president Salleh Man shifted the blame to the Home Ministry, questioning why it allowed Malay language Bibles to be printed in the first place.
Salleh, who is PAS state commissioner, said the anger should be directed toward the ministry who issued the permit to print the books.
On the plan to burn Bibles by certain quarters on Sunday, Salleh said he has yet to receive any information on the matter.
He added if the plan was real, it was probably the work of certain quarters who want to advance their own political agenda to create tension between different communities.
"But I hope all parties will remain calm and not do anything to hurt the good relationship between the different communities here," he stressed.
Gerakan: Ibrahim an anarchist
In a similar development, Gerakan has condemned Perkasa's Bible burning proposal, saying this would escalate tension in the country.
Gerakan deputy president Chang Ko Youn said he was"horrified" to learn about Ibrahim's statement, adding that this would certain exacerbate existing tensions between different religious communities.
"This is one of the many seditious remarks made by Ibrahim which are irresponsible and divisive," said Chang, describing the man as an "anarchist".
"The cornerstone of Malaysian society is by toleration and moderation. No one has the right to smear or even worse, burn a holy book of another religion just because they have different points of view," said Chang.
"This extreme proposal will surely provoke the wrath of the Christian community as they will see it as a grave insult to their religion. I believe that no religion in this world encourages its preachers to insult other religions," he added.
Chang urged the police to take action against Ibrahim and for the group planning to destroy the Bible, saying the government must act strictly against those disrupting the harmony, peace and security of the nation.
(4) Penang Perkasa supports probe on 'burn Bible' flyer, 23 January 2013
Penang Perkasa head Yusof Suhaimi Mohd Yatim has reportedly said that a flyer on a purported ‘Bible-burning event’ in Butterworth is the work of “irresponsible parties trying to take advantage of the situation”.
“Perkasa respects the law and we have always fought for peace in the country. We ask that the authorities investigate those behind the flyer,” Utusan Malaysia quoted him as saying.
The unsigned flyer was circulated yesterday, inviting members of the public to attend the purported event outside Dewan Ahmad Badawi on Sunday.
This comes in the wake of a call on Jan 19 by Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali, who urged Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible as it contains the word 'Allah' and other Arabic words involving religion.
Yusof said the call was made merely to stop copies of this Bible from being distributed to Muslims.
“I also understand that (Ibrahim’s) intention was to prevent angry Muslims from harming those who distribute the Malay-language Bible,” he told the Umno-owned daily.
Ibrahim has since said that his call was not intended to offend the Christian community.
(5) Cops submit probe papers on Bible distribution case, 23 January 2013
The Penang police have taken 17 statements from various individuals in their investigation into allegations that bibles were distributed to Muslim children outside a school in Jelutong.
"Investigation papers have been referred to the state deputy prosecutor yesterday and further instructions have been received for the police to complete the probe," said Penang police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi in a statement issued late last night.
Abdul Rahim said the bibles were openly distributed and several Malay students were given the holy book by unidentified individuals.
"The report was lodged for the police to probe the matter immediately to avoid untoward incidents as the action can undermine the security and peace of the country," he said.
According to Abdul Rahim, at about 1.30pm on Jan 17, the individual who lodged the report said while he was in his office and a Malay man had informed him that bibles were being distributed outside SMK Jelutong, Lorong Sekolah.
"The complainant then went to the scene and discovered that it was true. From the information received, three Chinese men and a woman who came in a car were found distributing the bibles randomly to students after the morning school session had ended," he added.
The complainant, who was given a Bible by one of the students, then lodged a police report at the Jelutong police station.
Abdul Rahim said that the case is being probed under section 298A of the Penal Code where those involved can be charged for "destroying harmony and unity, causing dissatisfaction and prejudice".
Five pocket-size bibles surrendered to police
He added that so far, five pocket-sized English-language bibles, blue in colour and containing 633 pages, have been surrendered to the police.
"On the Bible's front cover, it is written ‘New Testament Psalms Proverb'," said Abdul Rahim.
Abdul Rahim also said that seven reports have been lodged over the matter - four by students aged between 16 and 19, and three by members of the public.
"So far, all the bibles seized are in English and do not contain the word 'Allah'. They are not Bahasa Malaysia translations nor printed in Jawi," he added.
The incident had prompted Perkasa chief and Pasir Mas MP Ibrahim Ali to call for bibles in Bahasa Malaysia or Jawi using the word ‘Allah' to be burned last Saturday.
Ibrahim however claimed he did not mean to hurt the feelings of the Christians but was merely reacting to those who violate the federal constitution.
A police report was also lodged yesterday by a church in Butterworth which received a leaflet announcing a purported bible-burning 'festival' this Sunday.
(6) Guan Eng instigated 'Allah' issue, says Soi Lek, 23 January 2013
by Lee Long Hui
MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek has blamed DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for being the 'flint' in the ‘Allah' issue, saying that he has created disputes in Malaysia's multiracial and multi-religious society.
He said Lim's statement instigated the call by Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali to burn the Malay-language Bible.
"I would like to say that Lim Guan Eng is just a ‘flint'.When the multi-racial rakyat quarrel, fall into a tense situation, he hopes that he can win," Chua told a press conference after the party's presidential council meeting yesterday evening.
He said the opposition had politicised the 'Allah' issue, which had actually been settled since the country's independence.
"It's because of everything being politicised by the opposition that the Allah issue is also been politicised, which is rather unfortunate.
"It has never been a problem, so why has it suddenly become a problem? There's no need to add to the debate and to prolong an issue which was all settled when we achieved Independence."
However, Chua noted that Ibrahim should not have urged Muslims to burn copies of the Malay-language Bible, adding that he hopes all Malaysians will respect one another’s religion.
“Everybody needs to (show) mutual respect. There’s no need to threaten the people by burning the Bible.
“We have been practising this mutual respect since the day we achieved independence, and the level of tolerance among Malaysians is exemplary."
On Christmas Eve last year, Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, called on the federal government to allow Christians to use the term ‘Allah’ in the Malay-language Bible.
This sparked a huge controversy, during which Ibrahim made his ‘burn the Malay-language Bible’ call.
Ibrahim later said his call was not intended to offend Christians but that it was a reaction to those trying to violate the federal constitution.
'There are always grey areas'
Asked whether Ibrahim should be charged under the Sedition Act, Chua didn’t answer directly, but said many people talk about sensitive issues every day, including himself.
Given this, there would be a lot of people in the country who would have to be charged, he said.
Asked to clarify this statement, Chua accused the Malaysiakini reporter of putting words in his mouth.
“Are you putting me in a spot? Are you persecuting me by telling me I only have a choice of 'yes' or 'no'?
“Only simpletons have such simple minds to say that issues only have ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. There are always grey areas,” Chua said before ending the press conference.
(7) Church group to Najib: Practise what you preach, 23 January 2013
A national body representing the evangelical Christian community has urged Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to practise what he has preached on moderation, following a threat to burn the Malay-language Bible.
National Evangelical Christian Fellowship chairperson Reverend Eu Hong Seng pointed out that Najib had recently initiated the global movement of the moderates.
“Such a noble cause deserves our support. It is time we put into practice in our own country what we have so loudly preached to the world,” Eu said in a statement today.
He stressed that the church in Malaysia, though concerned, is in no way intimidated by the purported event in Butterworth, Penang, at 10 am on Sunday.
“We are a peace-loving people who will continue to pray for the well being of our great country,” he said.
“This unfortunate proposal ... serves as a serious reminder to all Malaysians to be more measured in our responses the next time we hear of some unreasonable people in the West wanting to burn other people's scriptures, because we too have our fair share of unreasonable people.”
According to Christian Federation of Malaysia chairperson, Bishop Ng Moon Hing (left), a church in Butterworth had received a ‘notice' about the purported event. Members of the public were invited to attend.
Rev John Kennady of St Marks Anglican church lodged a police report at the Butterworth police station at 3pm yesterday.
The 'notice' emerged just days after Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali called on Muslims to burn the Malay-language Bible following claims that copies had been distributed to Muslims outside a school compound.
Penang Perkasa has denied any connection with the purported event and said it supports a probe, while Ibrahim has said he had not meant to offend the Christian community.
(8)Professor: Learn from East M'sia on use of 'Allah', 23 January 2013
by Dukau Papau
Professor Emeritus Shad Saleem Faruqi has urged the setting-up of a council to discuss the usage of the word ‘Allah'.
"There is no simple solution to this complex situation, but a solution will surely be found if all are willing to solve the issue," the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) legal adviser during a question-and-answer session after delivering a lecture on ‘Federal-state relations in Malaysia' at the UiTM campus in Kuching.
Shad Faruqi said non-Muslims in Sarawak had been using the word ‘Allah' for a very long time and Muslims in the state were not offended, pointing out that peninsular Malaysians could learn from their East Malaysian counterparts on how to live together.
"Communally, Sabahans and Sarawakians are far ahead of the Peninsular Malaysians.
"Intellectually speaking, it is quite funny for someone to prescribe to someone else how God should be addressed.
"This argument contradicts with our freedom of religion and free speech. Many so-called religious experts argue that the word ‘Allah' is unique to Islam and that it must not be used by others.
"With all due respect, this argument hasn't a leg to stand on. The word ‘Allah' is used by people in the Arabic world, including Christian Arabs.
"In Arabic countries, words such as ‘Bismillah', ‘Alhamdulillah' and so on are used by Christian Arabs because they are part of the Arabic language," he said.
Not unique to Islam
Shad Faruqi pointed out: "The argument that the word ‘Allah' is unique to Islam basically reflects a lack of knowledge of history. Arguments that Muslims will be misled by the use of word ‘Allah' by Christians are unacceptable.
"Muslims are not gullible or unintelligent," he said, adding that a Muslim would not be easily misled to follow another religion just because the word ‘Allah' was also uttered by non-Muslims.
Those making such arguments, he said, had a very weak knowledge of Islamic teachings and its history.
On Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali's (right) urging the burning of copies of Bibles containing the term ‘Allah', Faruqi said that it was an extreme measure that had no room in a country like Malaysia, which had worked hard to strengthen solidarity and harmony in its multi-racial society.
"This kind of extremism must be condemned at all costs. The nation should not heed the call but work at achieving a solution to maintain peace and unity.
"For 55 years, Malaysia has become a unique country that has become a model for inter-religious, inter-communal, inter-regional and inter-linguistic relationships to the rest of the world.
"There is no room for extremism in Sarawak, like in the peninsula as shown by the call for Muslims to seize Bibles using the word ‘Allah' and burn them. Don't listen to them. Keep this country peaceful," Shad Faruqi concluded.
・The writer, who uses a pseudonym, is based in Sarawak.
(9) No change in Pakatan stance on use of 'Allah', 23 January 2013
by Hafiz Yatim
While he respects the views of the PAS Syura Council on the use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said today there is no change in Pakatan Rakyat’s stance on the issue.
Anwar said a reading of PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang's statement could be taken to mean that Islam does not prohibit the use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims, but that there is concern over abuse of the word.
"I have read the Syura Council’s statement and that of the PAS president. We support their statements and concerns... I am bound by the views of Islam in the matter.
"I also acknowledge there is concern over abuse (of the word). Mainstream media reports are directed to create confusion among the Muslim public, with reports of people distributing copies of the (Malay-language) Bible to Muslim (school)children. If this is true, then investigate and charge (those involved)," Anwar said.
"However, our stand (in Pakatan) is clear. We do not condone the derogation of other religions. We will support and defend the sanctity of Islam and also of other religions, as this is not only required of Muslims, but is also protected by the federal constitution."
Anwar was asked to comment on the PAS Syura Council’s decision earlier this month that Allah cannot be used in non-Islamic texts.
To this, he said there are other more pressing issues, such as fighting corruption, crime, rape, injustice and slander, which the people should focus on.
He also said the ‘Allah’ issue should not be politicised.
Anwar noted the different interpretations on the use of ‘Allah’ in books written by Islamic theologian Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qardhawi and others, but stressed everyone must understand the context of its use by those of other faiths in Malaysia.
“I do not want this issue to be politicised further as there are other issues which the people should be focused on,” he said.
'Abdication of people’s trust'
Anwar recited the surah Al Fatihah, which states: 'Allah is the lord of the whole world'.
He said this is an opinion held by Islamic scholars and hence, there should be no protest or uncertainty over such polemics.
He also condemned Malay rights group Perkasa for its call to burn the Malay-language Bible, which contains the word ‘Allah’.
“This could be a political ploy to create distrust and tension among those of various religions. I also condemn Najib (Abdul Razak) for not taking the effort to reassure the people that this is being done. If there is truth to allegations of Christians spreading their religion in schools to Muslim children, then take them to court.
“We should not be condoning the burning of holy books and I condemn such actions (although I am a Muslim)."
Anwar also said Najib's silence on Perkasa’s call shows the failure of BN governance.
“His complete silence is an abdication of the responsibility that is entrusted by the people and reflects his weak leadership.
"Let us be serious. This (threat of burning) is totally unnecessary. It is to stir up, and deflect (attention from), issues that are plaguing the people."
(10) An appeal to the Christian community, drop 'Allah', 25 January 2013
by BS Poh
COMMENT This is an appeal to the Christian community in Malaysia to drop the use of "Allah" in the Alkitab. Before you become defensive and/or offensive please read through my reasons.
The first reason is a biblical one. Christians are called upon to live in peace with all men (Rom. 12:18; 1 Tim. 2:2; Titus 3:2).
The unabated provocations against the minority Christians in this country call for restraint and calm on our part.
We are to repay no one evil for evil. We are not to avenge ourselves. We are to overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:17-21). We have already won the legal battle for the use of 'Allah'.
The law courts have declared that we have the right to use the word. No language is the prerogative of any ethnic group.
A language may not be compared to a borrowed car, in which the rights belong to the owner. Rather, a language is public domain.
The Scots, the Welsh, and the Irish have as much right to use the English language as the English people.
The late Steve Jobs had the right to call his computer the Apple. Malaysians have the right to develop and speak Manglish.
Shouldering one's responsibilities
It is one thing to hold to religious convictions, it is another to uphold the rule of law.
The onus is upon the law-makers and the law-makers-to-be to prove that they are capable of rising above themselves to uphold the rule of law. Otherwise, why should they be made law-makers?
The second reason is a linguistic one. In Arabic, 'Allaah' is derived from the common noun 'ilaah' in a similar way that 'God' is derived from 'god' in English.
In the Malay language, however, 'Allah' is adopted from Arabic while the corresponding generic word 'ilah' has not been similarly adopted.
In the Malaysian context, 'Allah' is the personal name of the god of Islam. The generic word for 'god' is 'tuhan', and not 'ilah'.
The early Christian missionaries to South-East Asia translated 'God' as 'Allah' only because they wanted to retain the word 'Tuhan' for 'Lord'.
Almighty in various terms
I have proposed that we use 'Tuhan' for 'God' (Hebrew, 'Elohim'; Greek, 'Theos'), and 'Yamtuan' for 'Lord' (Hebrew, 'YHWH'; Greek, 'Kurios').
The word 'Yamtuan' is of Minangkabau origin and has been absorbed into the Malay language. It carries the meaning of 'Yang Dipertuan' or 'Baginda', i.e. 'the highest Lord' or 'his Majesty' in English.
'Yamtuan' is a dual-syllable word which would not be confused with 'Tuhan' when they are used together.
Using 'Tuan', meaning 'Lord' or 'Sir' will cause confusion when used with 'Tuhan' as the two words sound similar when spoken.
Furthermore, 'Yamtuan' rhymes with 'Tuhan', which makes for easy amendment of existing Malay hymns.
Consider this Sunday School song in Indonesian (sung to the tune of 'Clamentine'):
Yesus Kristus, Anak Allah,
Mati bangkit semula;
Yesus Kristus Juruselamat,
Bertobatlah, percaya.
Puji Tuhan, puji Tuhan,
Kami tetap puji Dia;
Tak peduli apa jua,
Tantangan dan derita.
Translated into Malay using the terms suggested, we have:
Yesus Kristus, Anak Tuhan,
Mati bangkit semula;
Yesus Kristus Penyelamat,
Bertobatlah, percaya.
Puji Yamtuan, puji Yamtuan,
Kami tetap puji Dia;
Tidak kira apa jua,
Cabaran dan derita.
The translation is a breeze, at the same time that it removes the association with the god of Islam in the minds of both Christians and Muslims.
Theology behind God's name
The third reason for not using 'Allah' is a theological one. Since 'Allah' in the Malay language is the personal name of the god of Islam, it is theologically unwise for Christians to use it in reference to the trinitarian God of the Bible.
Furthermore, the Old Testament had been translated from Hebrew into Greek, known as the Septuagint, long before Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary.
Jesus Christ and the apostles placed their imprimatur on the Septuagint by using it, as can be seen from their constant quotation from it in the New Testament.
The Septuagint translates 'Elohim' as 'Theos' (English, 'God'), and 'YHWH' (Yahweh or Jehovah) as 'Kurios' (English, 'LORD').
The New Testament was written in Greek, in which God is referred to as 'Theos', just as in the Septuagint, while Jesus Christ is addressed by the title of 'Kurios'.
The Septuagint and the New Testament thus set for us the pattern of translating 'Elohim' and 'YHWH', as well as the pattern for how Jesus Christ is to be addressed.
Quoting the theologian, John Owen, "an apostolic example has the force of a divine institution".
This pattern has been followed in the translation of the Bible into English and various languages, but is not followed in the Alkitab.
The suggestion to use 'Tuhan' for 'Elohim' ('God'), 'YAMTUAN' for 'YHWH' ('LORD'), and 'Yamtuan' ('Lord') to address Jesus Christ is consonant with apostolic example.
We have fought for our right to use 'Allah' on socio-politico-historical grounds, viz;
• The use of 'Allah' for 'God' among Christians in Arabic countries preceded the advent of Islam;
• The Bible has been translated into Malay for over 300 years in which 'Allah' is used;
• The indigenous Christians in the states of Sabah and Sarawak have been using 'Allah' long before the two states joined Malaysia in 1963; and,
• It is the constitutional right of non-Muslim Malaysians to use 'Allah' since the freedom of religion, speech and association is guaranteed, and the use of any language, including Malay, is not the sole prerogative of any ethnic group.
We have won the legal battle for the right to use 'Allah', although there have been attempts made to hinder us from using it freely.
This problem has dragged on for a good thirty years! The question is, do we have to insist on exercising our right to use 'Allah'? "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify (1 Cor. 10:23)."
The recent hoo-hah over the use of 'Allah' has revealed that a sizable number of Muslims in the country are distressed over its use by the Christians.
Plea for the extra mile
Can we not go the extra mile to show forth Christian love by not using 'Allah'? After all, there are the biblical-theological-linguistic reasons for not using 'Allah' which must now be weighed up.
It is not for others to force us to drop the use of 'Allah'. It is for us to choose not to use it out of the conviction of the rightness of not using it.
The liberty of conscience is a precious truth. God alone is Lord over the human conscience.
We are all looking forward to a better Malaysia, in which there are definite attempts made to abolish discrimination based on colour, class and creed.
The cry for "liberty, equality, and fraternity" resonates in every heart. At the base of that ideal is the truth of the liberty of conscience.
Brethren, will you give this appeal - to drop the use of 'Allah' - your consideration?
・BS POH has been a preacher and teacher of the Bible for over 30 years. He holds a PhD degree in Engineering and a PhD degree in Theology. He was incarcerated for his faith under the ISA from 1987 to 1988.
(11) Islamic authorities insist 'Allah' only for Muslims, 25 January 2013
by John Grafilo, dpa
Federal religious authorities in Malaysia on Friday urged Muslims to preserve the sanctity of their faith by not allowing non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" in their scriptures.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) warned that non-Muslims who do so are out to confuse Muslims.
"It is very clear that today enemies of Islam are seeking to divert and undermine the Muslim community's faith," the department said in Friday's sermon read throughout the Federal Territories.
"Muslims must be firm in protecting the sanctity and the identity of their religion."
But Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein urged calm after a call by a group in Penang to burn Bibles at the weekend to protest an appeal by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to allow non-Muslims to use "Allah" in their scriptures.
The group, calling itself the Anti-Bible Bahasa Melayu (Anti-Malay Bible Action Force), has distributed pamphlets calling on Muslims to join the mass Bible burning Sunday in Butterworth, 290 kilometres north-west of Kuala Lumpur.
"I urge all of us to be rational and to remain cool so to not ruin the harmony in our society," Hishammuddin said.
The controversy over the use of the word "Allah" first erupted in 2007 when the Home Ministry stopped a Catholic publication from using the word in its magazine.
The church sued the government, and a court ruled in December 2009 that the use of the word "Allah" is not exclusive to Muslims in Malaysia, where 60 per cent of the more than 29 million people profess the Islamic faith.
The decision triggered attacks on some Christian churches and protests by Muslims throughout Malaysia.
The Home Ministry appealed the decision and is awaiting a ruling. In the meantime, state leaders have issued edicts that prohibit non-Muslims from using the world "Allah."
(12) PKR flays PM for keeping mum on Bible-burning issue, 25 January 2013
by Nigel Aw
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim criticised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today for not immediately condemning the Bible-burning remarks from the ultra right-wing Malay rights group, Perkasa.
"We know their (Perkasa) role is outsourced by Umno to fan racist bigotry... we have not yet heard any tough response from the Umno leadership.
"Not even from the prime minister or the home minister. This is disturbing.
"Notwithstanding partisan politics, you have to draw the line," Anwar said at a press conference at the PKR headquarters today.
Anwar was referring to Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali's call for Malay language Bibles using the word 'Allah' to be burnt.
Ibrahim was called up by the police yesterday over his statement, but the Pasir Mas MP had said that his remark was not intended to offend Christians.
In another matter, when asked if Pakatan Rakyat will have their general election candidates vetted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Anwar said that it was akin to looking for trouble.
"They (MACC) did not investigate the Scorpene scandal, the cow (National Feedlot Corporation) scandal, or the 200-acre land scandal. Everyone had been left off the hook.
"And then later when they vet me, they will say that I am not cleared, and that more investigation is needed - that would be looking for trouble," he said.
EU prepared to negotiate
Earlier, Anwar held another press conference with European Union ambassador Luc Vandebon after a briefing on the bloc's free trade agreement negotiations with Malaysia.
Anwar noted the negotiations that began in 2010 had stalled due to the looming general election, and urged the government to stop procrastinating on the matter.
"What is being demanded (in the negotiation) in many areas is consistent with Pakatan Rakyat's policy, such as the issues of procurement, transparency, and doing away with rent-seeking and supporting cronies like the Approved Permits (AP) system for various sectors.
"This seemingly insurmountable issue in the negotiations with the BN government is not a problem for us," he said, but added that necessary steps should also be taken to protect the local industry.
Anwar also welcomed the EU representative's statement that it was willing to work with any government that comes into power in the next general election.
"I am delighted to hear that the EU is ready to work with any democratically elected government, and that it plans to resume the negotiation process immediately after the GE," he said.
Asked if the EU was prepared to negotiate should Pakatan win federal power, Luc replied: "Absolutely, we have said from the beginning that we want to continue; we work with Malaysia, Malaysia is our partner".
He added that the negotiations were complex and the need for a longer time frame was to be expected.
(13) Bible burning only for those with 'Allah', says Perkasa, 26 January 2013
Malay rights pressure group Perkasa defended their president Ibrahim Ali saying the latter had not called for all bibles to be burned, only for those that contain the word ‘Allah’.
"The truth is, our Perkasa president only said that Malay language bibles that use the word 'Allah' or is in Jawi should be burnt, he did not instruct all bibles to be burnt as a whole," Negeri Sembilan Perkasa chief Mohd Noor Nordin was quoted inUtusan Malaysiasaying.
According to the Umno-owned Malay daily today, Perkasa accused human rights lawyer Siti Zabedah Kasim of lodging a false police report against their president and slandering him.
In response, they have lodged their own counter reports nationwide - including Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Penang, Selangor and Perak - against the lawyer, according to the daily.
On Jan 23 Siti Zabedah led a group of citizens to lodge a police report against Ibrahim for calling on people to burn bibles using the word 'Allah'.
This followed DAP chairperson Karpal Singh’s police report on the same matter on Jan 22.
Karpal had lodged the police report after attorney-general Gani Patail said Ibrahim would not be prosecuted unless the burning of bibles actually takes place.
Police have since recorded Ibrahim’s statement on Jan 24, and the Pasir Mas MP has defended his remark claiming that he did not intend to offend Christians.
Perkasa is one of many groups that have opposed non-Muslims' use of the term 'Allah' in the Malay translation of the bible, even though theKuala Lumpur High Court has ruled in the latter's favour.
The government has since appealed the court's decision and the appeal is pending.
(14) Don: Islamic state is not good even for Muslims, 26 January 2013
by Susan Loone
Well-known sociologist Syed Farid Alatas says that one of the greatest dangers facing Malaysian society is the rise of Muslim extremism - Wahabism and Salafism - or legalistic thinking that reduces citizens to rules and regulation.
He said these are the notion and role of an Islamic state currently being promoted by BN/Umno and PAS but both ways are "problematic" as there is no real debate on the issues here.
"There is not much difference between Umno and PAS, except that the former gives excuses that we can't have an Islamic state because we are a multiracial society," said Syed Farid, an expert in the area of the sociology of religion.
"The correct point I think is that we can't have an Islamic state because an Islamic state is not good even for Muslims.
"When I say that, I don't mean that Islam is not good for Muslims," the head of Malay studies at the National University of Singapore was quick to add.
"I mean the conception of an Islamic state which is a modernist idea is a chaotic idea".
Syed Farid was speaking in a two-hour plenary lecture entitled "Contemporary Muslim Revival: The Case of Protestant Islam" at the Wawasan Open Univesity in Penang last night.
Only 7% of Turks for Islamic state
His lecture was in conjunction with the "Colloquium on Democracy and Social Justice" jointly organised by Penang Institute and the Islamic Renaissance Front.
The Don - a Malaysian - has published extensively on the themes of Muslim revivalism, religious extremism, decolonisation of knowledge and democracy.
In his lecture, Syed Farid went on to explain that the proponents of the idea of an Islamic state mostly talked about Hudud laws which centred around criminal laws.
"The kind of state they envisage is a horrible state as it is a state presided by a punitive God, and not the God of Love, as envisioned by the Sufists or the God of the early missionaries who brought Islam to Southeast Asia and the Malay world," he said.
"Those Muslims never talked about an Islamic state. For them what was necessary was to live in the society that allows you to live according to the rules and laws of Islam," he added.
He gave the example of a large scale survey conducted in Turkey two years ago, where the religious citizens (not the secularists) were asked whether they want to live in an Islamic state.
Only seven percent said "yes", noted Syed Farid, as majority of Turks did not want the state to administer Islam or decide on religious matters, they wanted the freedom to administer it themselves.
Malaysia needs more debate
"So being against Islamic state is not to be secular or to be against Islam, Muslims really need to understand that," said Syed Farid, who read for his PhD at the John Hopkins University.
"In this country, Muslims feel that if they are against Islamic state, they are not being true to Islam," the professor who used to teach in Universiti Malaya, added.
They have to understand that the whole notion of the Islamic state is a modernist idea," he stressed.
Syed Farid said the entire thinking of what constitutes a state in Islam and how the religion is brought into modern life needs to be debated and discussed but that is not being done because Islam is being politicised in Malaysia.
He echoed the words of the great Islamic philosopher Ibn Khaldun who said "governments as a rule are unjust", adding he will vote for the least unjust government.
"Most Islamic governments in Islamic history have been unjust, even those which were in existence during the so-called Golden Age of Islam. "They were quite terrible in terms of abuse and torture and corruption," said Syed Farid.
In Malaysia, Syed Farid said we have governments which are more interested in winning points with the electorate than solving pressing problems.
Dangerous cocktail warning
There is also a lack of professionalism in the civil service due to the preponderance of political interest which is in conflict with the governance of this country, he added.
"Christian extremist or the more extreme versions of Christian evangelism is not being discussed in a calm and academic manner here, he said.
"There is also the rise of market fundamentalism, a gradual encroachment of market values that are replacing spiritual and cultural values," he added.
"Religious fundamentalism, extremism whether it is Muslim or Christians, tend to obliterate spiritual values," he stressed.
"When spiritual and religious values are replaced with market values, it tends to reduce everyone to digits, this is a dangerous cocktail," he warned.
(15) Don't be distracted by Allah row, 25 January 2013
by Steve Oh
You will make the most important decision that will affect you and your country for years to come in the forthcoming GE13.
Keep your head in all situations before then.
I urge my Christian friends in Malaysia not to be unduly affected by acts of bravado and provocation by those who turn Malaysia Boleh into Malaysia Bodoh.
When God is in control, nothing is out of control, and human history is the unravelling of the divine plan. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.
Do God’s perfect will by all means but don’t do perfectly nothing. Don’t mistake passivity for meekness or turning the other cheek as being a carpet for others to walk on.
Don’t be so heavenly-minded as to be of no earthly use.
They who say I don’t want to be political may prefer to live in a communist country so they don’t have to vote or live in the past where voting was non-existent like before Merdeka.
If you feel led by God by all means report all wrongdoings to the police. It is a civic duty to uphold the law and remonstrate with restraint and dignity.
While many of you are upset that there are plans afoot to burn the Malay ‘Allah’ Bible, for me it is water off a duck’s back.
Why should I be angry?
Their quarrel is not with Christians and me but God. And God has said in Revelations that those who add or subtract, let alone burn his Bible, will be cast into the lake of fire.
It is twisted logic and delusion to think a Bible is not a Bible because you don't like the word ‘Allah’ in it.
It isn’t as if believers have not been forewarned of the sorts of antics you face today now in Malaysia.
Jesus said, “If they persecute me they will persecute you,” and Jesus predicted it two thousand years ago.
Jesus also said, “In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The man who said ‘Burn the Bibles’ confessed he had not meant to offend the feelings of Christians. That is a positive indication the man is not without conscience if he is sincere.
But is he? I doubt it.
He says he is upset that some people were distributing those Bibles. But he and his mates and patron are serial troublemakers in creating controversy. A leopard does not change its spots.
God says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and that leaves me to love the sinner and not to repay evil with evil for we are the children of light and have been taught by the God of love to love one another, even our enemies and those who persecute us.
And there are times when “open rebuke is better than love concealed”.
A bogeyman is an imaginary threat
For a long time now the government in Malaysia has condoned or even participated in the portrayal of Christians as the bogeyman. First they created the Chinese bogeyman. It failed. And now after Operation Lalang 1987, there is the Christian Bogeyman.
A bogeyman is an imaginary threat like a hobgoblin that frightens children. That is the meaning of a bogeyman and we know that children like to imagine things. Hobgoblins don’t exist like the Chinese bogeyman and the Christian bogeyman.
In the adult world many Malaysians know that Christians are not trouble-makers and out to convert every Muslim in Malaysia.
The imaginary foe is what keeps the troublemakers in business. They are out of ideas so they start fires like Nero and blame it on the Christians.
The religious agitator and conspirator is real, not imagined, because we can see their handiwork.
They churn out lies like the one that has been passed around that 100,000 Malays have been converted to Christianity concocted to justify the ISA arrest of 10 or so Christians in Operation Lalang in 1987.
If it were true, then there will be Malay Christians everywhere. But we only have false rumours and false allegations.
And we know that people are capable of dirty tricks when they can produce dirty videos and conspire in sodomy trials.
How can a country with all the resources of state at its disposal and Islam constitutionally entrenched as the official religion in the country be fearful of a minority religion that does not even make Malay evangelism an agenda in the churches?
Those who conspire know how to tap into the Malay psyche and alarm them or make them paranoid by the mere mention of Muslims’ conversion to Christianity.
Some years ago a Catholic church saw a Malay mob gather outside to stop the false rumour that 100 Malays were to be baptised. They broke the rule of Islam not to slander and were sold a lie.
But the burning of churches is real.
Then there is the lie that Christians want Penang to be a Christian state. Why is it a lie? Because Christians don’t believe in a Christian state like the Muslims believe in an Islamic State.
Don't take my word - go ask your Christian friends. We have PAS, a political party based on Islam, why is there no Christian Party sold to a Christian State agenda?
And which Christian party in the world has that agenda? Zilch. Nyet. Nil. But the lie persists.
Kingdom of God is within the believer
Theirs is the Kingdom of God and they can even live within an Islamic State. The Kingdom of God is within the believer and is not political. It is a spiritual reality. It is a life of total submission to God.
The Christian bogeyman like the Chinese bogeyman will be buried by the truth in GE13 and those Malays who despise their own who tell lies and advance their politics at the expense of Islam.
True Muslims build bridges, not break them down and fabricate lies.
I recently watched a leader of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation give a talk and answer questions from the media. There is hope for peace in his ideas but not those of people who want to burn other people’s religious books.
It is not a Christian versus Muslim problem in Malaysia but a neo-pogrom without the blood-letting against Christians planned by a patron ‘devil’ and his acolytes and the sadness is a government that turns a blind eye to such divisive tactics.
I urge Dr Mahathir Mohamad to come to his senses and defend what’s left of his reputation and be a Dr Jerkyll and not Mr Hyde. Like many other Malaysians I had high hopes that he would help the Malays when he wrote the book The Malay Dilemma.
The conspirators like to paint the Chinese as the bogeyman, a threat to the Malays but they forget there are many Chinese who want to see the Malays successful.
Dr Mahathir forgets the Chinese votes saved his political neck when the Malays had rejected him in the elections before 2008. But then he has the problem of selective memory.
I look forward to when the Chinese and Malays ( and all the other races like in Sabah and Sarawak ) can live and do things together without instigation.
Like many other Chinese who supported the government’s NEP plans for helping the Malays, they want to see the poor Malays economically uplifted because no nation will prosper when a large section of the country is living in poverty.
And it applies to Indians too.
But as it turned out Dr M has become the ultimate Malay Dilemma himself, an enigma even to his own supporters, and the reason why Malaysia is bogged in race and religious controversies.
They bastardised the NEP, according to PM Najib Abdul Razak’s brother.
It is a terrible thing for anyone to fall into the hands of an angry God and God forbid anyone should be living in ignorance as in the age of ‘jahiliyah’ and commits sins against the country, the people and God himself.
Not the time to argue over religion
As for PAS we must not throw away the baby with the water.
PAS has made a public stand on ‘Allah’ and it is water under the bridge as far as I am concerned. Whether it will stand the test of world opinion and against the light of the Quran is left to be seen.
But we know that PAS is capable of reason and a friend in making change possible and those who want change need one another.
Suffice to say, now is not the time to argue over religion.
So everyone has an opinion but is it supported by the constitution and is it enforceable, or binding on everyone? I doubt it and that is why I am not concerned, disappointed yes, but also realistic.
PAS is therefore entitled to its opinion.
There is no reason to withdraw support for them within Pakatan Rakyat, and perhaps why Malaysiakini columnist KJ John boldly says, “I will vote for Pakatan Rakyat.”
You don’t have to like the politicians you vote for or agree with all their opinions, but even if you have to choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, many will choose the blue ocean.
And blue ocean is a sea of opportunity but the devil comes only to kill and steal and he is the father of lies, we are warned.
Whoever wins GE13 the people will have to work with the government and the government has to work with the people. Let’s not destroy one another for there is always GE14.
Corruption must be buried
Life must go on but not corruption. Corruption must die and be buried with GE13 by the votes of all Malaysians who say enough is enough.
The demise of corruption may be the time many of us will no longer write long letters to Malaysiakini, perhaps I should speak for myself.
We will then have better things to do.
For as long as corruption lives and reigns like a tyrant over the country there is no future for Malaysia only an ominous dread that more of the same will not do.
It grieves me to see Malaysians suffer because of corruption in governance. Teoh Beng Hock, A Kugan, Ahmad Sarbaini Mohamed, among many, need not have died.
So make your vote count and put corruption to death instead at GE13. Lock in your vote now and let nothing move you.
I do not need to tell you how to vote because if you still don't know by now then you deserve to live in a dark place and be a slave to the corrupt.
If it makes it easier for some people - Vote Pakatan Rakyat for Anwar Ibrahim or Vote BN for Mahathir Mohamad.
May God bless Malaysia and may his will be done.
・STEVE OH is a singer and composer and also author of the book ‘Tiger King of the Golden Jungle’.
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