Where do minorities turn to for justice ?
The Jais (Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor), raid
on the Bible Society Malaysia(BSM), the arrest of BSM officers and the confiscation
of copies of bibles is not only illegal but also a dangerous act that must be not
be condoned. The state and federal governments must come on hard on this
dangerous act of Jais taking the law into its own hands. It is an arrogant and
blatant abuse of power that goes against the provisions of the Federal Constitution
and basic tenets of every religion. The presence of police officers in the raid
further adds weight to its illegality.
Does Jais have the power to raid a
non-Muslim premise and arrest its personnel? If so who gave them the authority
to do so? Why was the police involved in the raid, joining in an illegal
operation instead of acting to stop it? If this action of Jais is not an abuse
of power what is it?
This illegal and high-handedness of Jais
brings to question, “Where do the non-Muslims and minorities in our country go
to for justice?” Why have a Federal Constitution when it is not upheld? The
courts don’t seem to be fair in their judgments, the police lopsided in their
investigations and all government agencies are openly pro-Umno in mindset.
Fact, reason and logic don’t seem to have any value in our country today as
they are blatantly ignored. The government has failed to protect the rights of
the minority in this country by upholding the provisions in the constitution. The
Prime Minister remains silent, refusing to come to their aid. Where and who do
they turn to get the justice they are entitled?
The Allah controversy has now become more
complex and spilled over into becoming a confrontation between the Muslims and
Christians. The situation has come to s dangerous level and the leaders at the
highest level, especially the Prime Minister and his cabinet must act fast to
stop deterioration of the situation. Silence on their part only emboldens the
abusers of the law and the righteous denied justice.
All parties must first stop open
confrontation on the issue of “Allah” and return to peaceful and civil dialogue.
The dispute on the use of Allah cannot be solved in the courts, confrontation or
with a show of force. It can only be overcome with goodwill and tolerance for
one another which appears to be the most difficult to come by.
The Allah issue is not about winning or losing
or is it about proving who is stronger. It is about God and so it is about
love, humility and goodwill not for any particular group but for the sake of overall
peace and harmony, something far greater than the interests of any individual
or group.
Christians and Muslims alike should put God
above all and for His sake they must embrace the virtues of goodwill, humility
and tolerance to compromise a little for the sake of all the greater peace and well-being
of all Malaysians and the country they love.
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