'Pakatan can't protect minorities'
Koo Chin NamPublished: Apr 17, 2014 10:36 AM | Updated: Apr 17, 2014 11:17 AM
COMMENT The decision by the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) to relocate its headquarters from Damansara Kim in Selangor to Kuala Lumpur citing "better protection" from the federal government for the society’s operations is a stinging indictment against the failure of the Pakatan-helmed Selangor state government to protect the rights and interests of religious minorities.
COMMENT
Pakatan seems unable to influence Jais to 'Ubah', says MCA.
COMMENT BSM's explanation is also an affirmation that the BN government had kept to the 10-point solution which was reached with the Christian community.
Obviously the patience shown by BSM towards Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) and the Selangor state government after the arrest of their office bearers and the continued detainment of the holy books since January has finally worn off.
Pakatan came into power in 2008 promising the protection of the religious minorities. DAP with all their claims of "Ubah" also promised to uphold and safeguard all religions.
But once in power, the only "Ubah" we see is more religious enforcement using physical intimidation by state religious authorities against non-Muslims.
The illegal tresspass where Jais deployed physical force on BSM and against the Damansara Utama Methodist Church in 2011, empty promises and false hopes of returning the Bibles are strong evidence that Pakatan allies had lied to the constituents.
All their promises of upholding religious freedoms were never genuine.
DAP a let down
While it is inappropriate that Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim does not want to be drawn into giving an instruction to release the seized scripture texts, his every attempt to evade the controversy reflects poor leadership skills and washing his hands off responsibility.
Why until today, despite the public outrage, neither Khalid nor his exco members have chastised the Jais raid nor seek a solution?
There are non-Muslims from DAP and PKR who wield positions as exco members such as Teng Chang Khim, Ean Yong Hian Wah, Lau Weng San or Elizabeth Wong. I implore on them to use their influence to not only to secure the release of the Bibles but also ensure the protection of religious minorities.
Teng's remark that the Selangor government has no plans to amend the restrictions contained in the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religion (Selangor) Enactment 1988 but that the three DAP state assemblypersons who first mooted the idea may table a Private Member’s Bill is a deep let down.
Teng's affirmation not only indicates that DAP and PKR misled the public with all talks of religious protection, but also shows that once DAP and PKR hold positions of authority, they would rather place more concerted efforts towards retaining power.
KOO CHIN NAM is the deputy chairperson of MCA's Syariah Law and Police Implementation Special Task Force.
Obviously the patience shown by BSM towards Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) and the Selangor state government after the arrest of their office bearers and the continued detainment of the holy books since January has finally worn off.
Pakatan came into power in 2008 promising the protection of the religious minorities. DAP with all their claims of "Ubah" also promised to uphold and safeguard all religions.
But once in power, the only "Ubah" we see is more religious enforcement using physical intimidation by state religious authorities against non-Muslims.
The illegal tresspass where Jais deployed physical force on BSM and against the Damansara Utama Methodist Church in 2011, empty promises and false hopes of returning the Bibles are strong evidence that Pakatan allies had lied to the constituents.
All their promises of upholding religious freedoms were never genuine.
DAP a let down
While it is inappropriate that Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim does not want to be drawn into giving an instruction to release the seized scripture texts, his every attempt to evade the controversy reflects poor leadership skills and washing his hands off responsibility.
Why until today, despite the public outrage, neither Khalid nor his exco members have chastised the Jais raid nor seek a solution?
There are non-Muslims from DAP and PKR who wield positions as exco members such as Teng Chang Khim, Ean Yong Hian Wah, Lau Weng San or Elizabeth Wong. I implore on them to use their influence to not only to secure the release of the Bibles but also ensure the protection of religious minorities.
Teng's remark that the Selangor government has no plans to amend the restrictions contained in the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religion (Selangor) Enactment 1988 but that the three DAP state assemblypersons who first mooted the idea may table a Private Member’s Bill is a deep let down.
Teng's affirmation not only indicates that DAP and PKR misled the public with all talks of religious protection, but also shows that once DAP and PKR hold positions of authority, they would rather place more concerted efforts towards retaining power.
KOO CHIN NAM is the deputy chairperson of MCA's Syariah Law and Police Implementation Special Task Force.
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