SEPANG, 7 Nov: The Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali, informed that the issue of seizing the Malay and Iban language Bibles containing the word ‘Allah’ by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) in January is still in discussion.
He said that so far, no decision has been reached on the matter, but he is certain that it will be resolved amicably to keep the harmony in Selangor.
“The matter is still under discussion on how we can resolve this problem amicably to maintain harmony in Selangor and this must also be consistent with the teachings of Islam which demands we respect all religions.
“Therefore, (all) this should be reviewed and is still in the process of discussion. No decision has been reached yet.
“However, we will continue discussions to resolve it amicably,” he told reporters after a field programme at the Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi Multipurpose Hall today.
Previously, Mohamed Azmin informed that he will refer to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, to seek his consent in the effort to solve the issue of the seizure of Malay and Iban language Bibles that contain the ‘Allah’ word.
In face, he said that he will also hold talks to obtain the views from Jais and the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) so that it can be handled harmoniously and amicably.
Earlier, the former Chief Minister of Selangor, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, also used the same approach in solving this issue but no decision was reached.
In January, JAIS seized over 300 Malay and Iban language Bibles from the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) in Damansara.
JAIS said that the action was carried out according the the Non-Islamic Religious Enactment 1988 (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) to prevent non-Muslims in Selangor to use the ‘Allah’ word.
NS
