DAP leaders, while lauding the move to release the impounded Malay-language Bible, said accompanying restrictions imposed by the government must be removed as well.

This includes a stamp with the words 'For Christians Only' and another stamp for serial numbers.

"We express our appreciation that finally the government decided to release the Bible. But there are also conditions imposed upon their release with which we do not agree," said Tony Pua, the party’s national publicity secretary.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, Pua said such conditions impinge upon the rights of Christians to freely practise their religion as provided for by the federal constitution.

"The government must immediately withdraw the stupid, silly and ridiculous conditions and immediately release the bibles," urged Pua, who is also the Petaling Jaya Utara MP.

Sarawak DAP chief MP Wong Ho Leng, who was also at the press conference, expressed fears over the transitory nature of the ban on Malay-language Bibles.

"The ban is resolved now but what is stopping the government from doing it again? It may happen on a shipment-by-shipment basis," Wong said.

He also linked the reversal of the decision to the imminent Sarawak elections.

Wong said he believe that the government would not have done so if not for its impact on Sarawak, where Christians form the majority.

The Sibu MP added that the matter will feature prominently in DAP's election campaign.

IMPOUNDMENT OF BM BIBLES

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