Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) – Malaysian authorities have announced in a 10-point document, that they will allow the diffusion of over 30,000 Bibles which had been stopped at customs. This will circulate the Bible in all languages throughout Malaysia, including the local language bahasha, in its Malaysian and Indonesian versions. The document also prescribes that the printing of Bibles in bahasha will be permitted in Malaysia (both on the peninsular and in Sabah and Sarawak, the Malaysian provinces on the island of Borneo), as well as in indigenous languages such as Iban, Kadazandusun and Lun Bawang. Furthermore, the Government, through its Christian representative, Idris Jala, has said they are ready to meet with Christian leaders to address and resolve the issues relating to their rights.
The Christian community has expressed its general satisfaction with the news, which represents a real step forward in respect to the historic stance of the Government.
In a note sent to Fides, the Bible Society of Malaysia has welcomed the Government's new position that should “help to avoid unfortunate incidents like the one that occurred recently.... Christians,” continues the statement, “will work alongside the Government to avoid conflicts between believers of different faiths and to improve the social and religious harmony in the Country.”
Fides sources in Malaysia note that the Government's proposal comes just before the local elections to be held on 16 April in Sarawak, where Christians make up more than 40% of the population, and in this way they hope to retain political support. In Malaysia there are about 28 million inhabitants, 60% Muslim, 10% Christians, and the remainder are communities of Hindu, Buddhist, animist or traditional Chinese religions. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/4/2011)
