Despite the government softening its stand on the Al-Kitab, the controversy continues to stir debate, this time by the Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikism and Taoism (MCCBCHST).

azlan In a statement today signed by five MCCBCHST leaders, the council takes issue with the alleged promise by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to release 5,000 copies of the Al-Kitab impounded at Port Klang.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia, an umbrella body which represents 90 percent of churches in the country, claims that the promise was made during a Christmas party in December 2009.

“They were not (released). And when he was so informed last Christmas, he could only express surprise that the copies of the Al-Kitab are still being held by the authorities.

“This situation begs a first pair of questions: Does our current prime minister wield any authority? And if he does not, who does?” read the statement.

Al-Kitab cannot be ‘restricted item’

In an attempt to quell the growing discontent over the seizure of the Al-Kitab, which includes 30,000 copies impounded at Kuching, the government announced on March 15 that it would be released, with two conditions .

NONE One condition states that it would be stamped with the words “For Christians Only” and serialised. This move has received heavy condemnation from Christian leaders who claim that their holy book had been desecrated.

The council also takes offence over a phrase in the stamp that reads “by order of the minister of home affairs”.

“This means that the Al-Kitab is now considered a restricted item and the world of God has been made subject to the control of man,” read the statement.

The council stressed that Malaysians from various faiths, including Muslims, have come out in support of CFM’s position and more are expected to voice their support soon.

Gov’t pitting religions against each other?

They said that what is pertinent to note is that Islam promotes religious freedom and this was once promised by first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and in the Achtiname of Muhammad (also known as Muhammad’s Covenant with the Saint Catherine Monastery).

“It would appear that the authorities would have Malaysians believe that the current developments about the release of the Al-Kitab (is a) Muslim and Christian conflict in our beloved country.

“The politicial leaders definitely do not have a finger on the pulse of the nation. They are definitely wrong in what they are doing.

“The preceding now begs a second set of questions: After Christians have been ‘fixed’, who next?”.

Following protests by Christian groups, the government relented and now only wants to stamp the words “For Christianity” on the Al-Kitab, either at the source of print or at the ports.

Christian leaders have said that they needed time to study the proposals.