What a ridiculous country Malaysians live in

Iskandar Dzulkarnain

Some Muslim activists are afraid that the Malay-language Bibles now being detained by the government will be circulated among Malay Muslims and ‘mislead’ them in their faith, but this should not be the reason to deny people of other faiths their rights, said PAS leaders. – New Jo-Lyn MC

Sometimes it’s downright embarrassing that Malaysia, supposedly a modern, thriving nation of multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious citizens, after 54 years of BN rule is still unable to solve the Bible’s issue. The Home Ministry, with all its mighty power is still not able to do anything concrete.

When DAP and PKR took up the issue, it could still be ignored by the Public, but when PAS takes a stand on it, it shows that PAS is a moderate and sincere Party that understands the current issues facing this country today. Has BN been in deep slumber all this while?

This Bible issue is so petty, compared to the hard drugs and designer drugs that get smuggled in by the ton loads every day and yet the Police and the Government doesn’t bat an eye. But when it comes to a book that will teach humans to be more compassionate and good, it is unfairly banned.

The excuse that Muslim’s will be misled is pathetic. How can some people purportedly Defenders of the Faith, makes such sweeping statements of Malaysian Muslims? Are we that weak religiously?

These same people that are giving the impression that Non Muslims shouldn’t be mixing with Muslims in this country. Banning the Bible is like banning one’s Right to practise their Faith. How can some people be so cruel, so insensitive, and so ridiculous as to think that Muslims have the right to lord over others.

It will cause Non Malays and potential Muslim Converts to run a mile away from Islam. All their protests, their statements run so contrary to all that Islam stands for. Today, Islam is being unnecessary ridiculed by non Muslims, because of a small community of black sheep like these who cannot accept the views of others.

When BN first banned the word ALLAH from being uttered, had it the consensus of the other 12 component parties of BN? When the High Court moved in favour of the Christians, an appeal was lodged to protest the decision. And now that Pakatan Rakyat has in unison condemned the detention of these books, what has the other component parties got to say? Why are they so quiet? Is MCA and MIC defending the ban? Someone should come out and make a statement.

Such sweeping statements by ABIM are like a slap in the face for NON MUSLIMS. It’s like telling them: hey, you’re not wanted. Start packing your bags. If you want to stay you’ve got to accept the hard facts of life. Muslims will continue to rule without fear or favour.

Yes, Muslims are sensitive, but we cannot let other Muslims ridicule our Faith, by imposing their own warped beliefs on the community. If Islam is seen as a Religion of Peace, submission and compassion, it will naturally attract others to embrace Islam. That should be our ultimate goal and not scaring them off.

Many Muslims out there are not bothered by the non Muslims, and we appreciate the fact that we can live alongside each other for so long, without any misunderstandings. BN must put this right, if it really believes it can rule a multiracial Nation like ours and holding on to the 1Malaysia concept that sounds so hollow nowadays. As of right now, they are making too many mistakes.

For the sake of our constitution, our 1Malaysia, our Unity and our belief in GOD, BN should clear up this matter once and for all. Don’t let others think that after 54 years BN is still spineless, and unable to lift a finger to protect the Rights of all Malaysians.

Tunku Abdul Rahman is right: Religion and Politics don’t mix.