The Selangor Islamic authorities’ (Jais) raid on the Bible Society of Malaysia and the seizure of 300 copies of the Malay and Iban versions of the bible sent shock waves through Sarawak's Christian community, triggering strong reactions.

Following the publication of the news, Sarawakians whether from the opposition or component parties of Barisan Nasional or from non-political organisations and ordinary Sarawakians are united in their stand in condemning the raid and the seizure of the bible.

This is very evident from their comments and their reactions in their Facebook and blogs.

Over 70 percent of Sarawak's 2.6 million population are Christians of various denominations.

When contacted for his comment, shocked Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian said that it shows that the so-called 10 -points agreement by the present government was politically motivated for GE13.

"It is proven now it means nothing.

"This government headed by Najib Abdul Razak cannot be trusted," said Bian, who is Ba'Kelalan assemblyperson.

Commenting  on the issue, the president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak James Masing said that the seizure of the bible in the two languages by JAIS was expected, but nevertheless it was most disappointing when the constitution confirms in no uncertain terms 'freedom of religion' in Malaysia.

"It does not say 'limited freedom of religion'," he said, pointing out that he expected this action by Jais, because "we cannot have one nation with two sets of religious laws applicable on the same issue of Allah.

"It wouldn't work. It can't work and Malaysian leaders must decide once and for all, which set of religious laws Malaysians must abide by.

Political expediency decisions a no-no

 

"We must take the bull by the horns and tell the bull who is the boss," said Masing, who is Land Development Minister.

"This way Malaysians will have a clear choice what to do. Religious issues should not be based on political expediency. They must be decided based on  sound religious  principles tempered  by centuries of divine wisdom," he said.

A blogger, Cedric Choo said the raid by Jais may be construed as unlawful under the federal constitution, abuse of authority, and in excess of its administrative jurisdiction.

"I do not think that JAIS, although being entrusted by Selangor to administer and  enforce Islamic law and regulations, has any jurisdiction or power over the conduct and affairs of other religions other than Islam," he said.

Choo said: "Religious bigotry has reached its peak. Malaysia boleh and more possibilities are in store for us. Let us hope the epidemic does not reach the shores of Sabah and Sarawak.

"Point no 1 safeguard says 'there shall be no official religion for Sabah and Sarawak'," he added.

Another blogger, Christina Suntai believes it is a huge mistake for Umno to start prosecuting and harassing Christians on the Allah issue.

"The federal government under Najib is clearly seen to be prosecuting and controlling Christians in Malaysia. This is a huge mistake.

"The Sarawak election is coming. The majority of Dayaks are Christians so do not underestimate their votes," she said.

She pointed out that it was the Dayaks that kept the BN-Umno in power after the GE13.

Reactions from public

Some of the comments from the blogs and Facebook:

Andy Wong said: "lawlessness? Showing off who is the boss? Just oppressive regime? Just watch out buddies ...more to come!"

Noel C Bucking questioned whether a Muslim enforcement agency could enter the premises of the Bible Society Malaysia, a non-Muslim organisation and confiscate its assets.

"Is it not outside its jurisdiction to do as such?" he asked.

Gee Jakee said: "Our Christian brothers and sisters in Sabah and Sarawak better wake up and vote BN out to save ourselves. Go back to your kampung and longhouses and spread the word".

Jalin Johnny said: "Will Malaysia be like Egypt, Tunisia, Syria .....?"

Diet Bukoh said: "Now Umno has created a racist regime and is against Christians in Malaysia".