Sivin Kit’s Garden

Archive for the ‘Micah Mandate’ Category

Thanks to popTV for a fruitful short less than 8 minute conversations on the stuff that matters!

Malaysia will not bow to acts of violence

We the undersigned Malaysian civil society groups from different spiritual, cultural and ideological backgrounds condemn unconditionally in the strongest possible terms the arson against at least three churches following the controversy over the use of the word Allah. 

We express our solidarity with  the Metro Tabernacle Church at Desa Melawati, Church of the Assumption,  Petaling Jaya and Life Chapel, Petaling Jaya, and other churches that have received threats, and to the Malaysian Christian community at large. 

Nothing warrants such deliberately provocative violent acts, amounting to terrorism, on places of worship. Such violence however must not be seen as a communal conflict of Muslims and Christians. It is as much an affront to Islam and to all religions as it is to the Christians. 

While we celebrate freedom of expression, no demonstration must be carried out to intimidate others who hold different opinions. 

These acts are truly a blot on the image that we promote of ourselves as a harmonious multiracial and diverse society. It is also tantamount to an attack on the cardinal principle of the Rule of Law and the institution of the Judiciary who must at all times be left to decide on a case without fear, favour or intimidation.

We denounce those who shamelessly manipulate ethno-religious sentiments for their political gains. This sad situation has escalated due in part to the irresponsible responses from the Administration which appears to be practicing double standards.

We further deeply regret that in postulating their grievances to advance their agenda, those quarters have sought to convolute the real issues touching on the constitutional right of expression and to practice one’s faith  and, with the aid of certain segments of the media, both mainstream and otherwise.

We expect the police to now pursue the culprits in the serial arson attacks with their highest diligence and professionalism. Until the criminals are brought to book, the image of the Najib Administration and his “1Malaysia” slogan will be associated with violence and terrorism. We however categorically reject the proposed use of ISA against anyone. The arson suspects must be charged and tried in open court to delegitimize their barbaric act. 

We call upon all groups with different views on the issue to seek rational dialogue and reach consensus.

No issue is too sensitive for rational debate in a democratic society. The threat of violence should not be used to kill democratic debate.

We call upon all Malaysians to come together collectively:

• to condemn and denounce acts of desecration of any places of worship, now and in the future;
• to create a healthy atmosphere for the most inclusive debate, dialogue, deliberation and resolution of all issues confronting our multi ethnic, multi faith nation.

Regardless of the developments, ordinary Malaysians will stand firm as a peace-loving nation and support each other.

Endorsing Civil Society Groups

1. 1BLACKMalaysia Facebook Group

2. Aliran Kesedaran Rakyat (Aliran)

3. All Women’s Action Society

4. Awal Nahdah

5. Bar Council of Malaysia

6. Borneo Research Institute Sarawak (BRIMAS)

7. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)

8. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)

9. Centre of Education. Research and Development (CEDAR)

10. Child Development Initiative

11. Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC KLSCAH)

12. Civil Society Committee of LLG Cultural Development Centre Bhd (LLGCSC)

13. Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament)

14. Community Action Network (CAN)

15. Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM)

16. Council of Churches of Malaysia Youth (CCM Youth)

17. Durham Malaysian Scholars

18. Editorial Board of Horizon E-journal

19. Education and Research Association of Consumer, Malaysia (ERA Consumer)

20. Educational, Welfare and Research Foundation Malaysia

21. Federation of Hopo Associations Malaysia

22. Federation of Indian Non-Governmental Organisations

23. Free Public Forum (FPF)

24. Friends in Conversation (FIC)

25. Frin Jan

26. Gabungan Pertubuhan-pertubuhan Masyarakat India Selangor

27. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)

28. Hartal Mainstream Media (Hartal MSM)

29. Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf)

30. Indian Malaysian Active Generation (IMAGE)

31. Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD)

32. Institute for Development of Alternative Living (IDEAL)

33. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)

34. Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM)

35. Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Perak (JKOAP)

36. Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia Sarawak (JOAS)

37. Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas (JERIT)

38. Johor Tamizhar Sangam

39. Kesatuan Mahasiswa Indipenden (KAMI)

40. Klang Consumer Association

41. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Hopo Association

42. Kuala Lumpur Hindu Youth Organisation (KLHYO)

43. Kuala Lumpur Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals

44. Kuen Cheng Alumni Kuala Lumpur

45. Majlis Kelab Bell Belia Tamil Malaysia

46. Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram

47. Malaysia Indian Progressive Educational Society

48. Malaysia Lekshmi Pooja Meditation Society

49. Malaysia Tamil Artiste Association

50. Malaysia Tamil Neri Kalagam

51. Malaysia Thanavasiya Association

52. Malaysian AIDS Council 

53. Malaysian Archagar Sangam

54. Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

55. Malaysian Association of Indian University Graduates

56. Malaysian Ceylon Saivites Association

57. Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism Christianity Hinduism Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST)

58. Malaysian Dravidian Association

59. Malaysian Hindu Youth Council

60. Malaysian Indian Business Association

61. Malaysian Indian Development & Unity Association

62. Malaysian Indian Development Association

63. Malaysian Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals

64. Malaysian Indian Historical Association

65. Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation

66. Malaysian Tamil Forum

67. Middle Eastern Graduate Society

68. Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN)

69. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)

70. myFuture Foundation

71. National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI)

72. New Millennium Indian Business Association of Malaysia

73. Nur Damai

74. Oriental Hearts and Minds Institute (OHMSI)

75. Penang Du Zhong Education Society

76. Penang Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals

77. Penggerak Belia MPSJ Zon 23

78. Persahabatan Semparuthi

79. Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM Selangor

80. Persatuan Aruloli Mandram, Malaysia

81. Persatuan Kebajikan Dan Sosial Kamakshi Wilayah Utara

82. Persatuan Kebajikan MGR

83. Persatuan Kebajikan Namakkal Malaysia

84. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower)

85. Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Universiti Malaya (PMIUM)

86. Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PERMAS)

87. Persatuan Meditasi Malaysia (Dhyana Ashram)

88. Persatuan Meditasi Projan Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

89. Persatuan Penduduk Taman Muhibbah

90. Persatuan Pergabung Tamil Malaysia

91. Persatuan Sahabat Wanita, Selangor (PSWS)

92. Persatuan Silambam Malaysia

93. Pertubuhan Kesedaran Hare Krishna Klang

94. Pusat KOMAS

95. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)

96. Robson Hill Study Group

97. Saiva Siddhanta Mandram Malaysia

98. Sarawak Central Region Friendship Association

99. Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA)

100. Sarawak Native Land Rights Owners (TAHABAS)

101. Sarawak Women for Women Society

102. Sarawakians Access (SACCESS);

103. Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia

104. Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Kwang Tung Association

105. Selangor Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals

106. Sisters In Islam (SIS)

107. Southeast Asian Centre for e-Media (SEACEM)

108. SPNS, Bidor

109. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

110. Sundararaja Perumal Devasthanam Klang

111. Tamilar Sangam, Teluk Intan

112. TENAGANITA

113. The Justice, Peace & Solidarity In Mission Office, The Good Shepherd Sisters

114. The Micah Mandate (TMM)

115. Thiruvalluvar Nanneri Mayam Cameron Highlands

116. Thiruvarul Thavaneri Mandram Malaysia

117. Universiti Terbuka Perak (Ureka)

118. Wanita Desa Sarawak (WADESA)

119. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)

120. World Tamil Federation – Malaysian Chapter

121. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)

122. Yayasan Penyelidikan dan Pembangunan Pendidikan Tamil Malaysia (Tamil Foundation)

123. Youth for Change (Y4C)

124. Youth Section of Melaka Chinese Assembly Hall

125. Youth Section of Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall

126. Youth Section of Persatuan Wui Leng Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur

127. Youth Section of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall

Endorsing Political Parties

1. Democratic Action Party (DAP)

2. Human Rights Party (HRP)

3. Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)

4. Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)

5. Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)

My good friend and fellow initiator for the Micah Mandate Goh Keat Peng wrote a very important piece after the Court says ‘yes’ to Allah for Christians and Cautious celebrations over ‘Allah’ judgment. Please take some time to read and reflect on his thoughts.  It will be a good way to start the new year.

A Quality We All Need

As we go into a new calendar year with its opportunities and challenges, there is a quality of character we as individuals, civil society and nation can do with.

If I may for a change use a big word: Equanimity

It means: “mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.”

Yesterday on New Year eve, when I received word of the Malaysian High Court ruling which in effect lifted the home minister’s ban against the Catholic Church publishing the word “Allah” to refer to the Christian God in its weekly paper, Herald and that the term is not exclusive to Islam.

I sent the following SMS to the Christian and Sikh leadership as their communities have been most affected by the ban for all these years as well as other friends on both sides of the parliamentary divide:

“In Allah we trust. I urge calm and quiet thanksgiving. Our worship, prayer and service continue. But let us neither speak nor act provocatively. Let us be considerate of the feelings of others as well. May the wisdom of God guide us. Goh KP”

Among those who replied to my SMS were the following leaders and friends:

“Thanks. You are right.”
- Paul Tan, Catholic bishop of Malacca and Johore.

“Thank you for good advice. That is exactly what we are doing. May God guide us all.”
V. Hacharan Singh, Sikh Gurdwara Council president.

“Amen. May Allah help us to be patient and humble always and guide us to what is pleasing to Him, and good for us in this life and the next.”
- Aminah Ferrer

“A message of wisdom. Thanks. Happy new year.”
- Syed Husin Ali, senator and deputy PKR president.

“Am of one mind with you on this.”
- Hermen Shastri, Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary.

“Surely yes.”
- Tan Kong Beng, Christian Federation of Malaysia executive secretary.

“God bless.”
- Anwar Ibrahim, Leader of the Opposition in Malaysian Parliament

“Excellent message! May Allah grant us guidance and blessing. May we live in peace, harmony and understanding!”
- Wan Azizah, PKR president

Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam called just before midnight and conveyed the following message to all Malaysians:

“While we are happy and relieved by the court decision, I think it is a major step in the right direction for the real Islam,which is a great and International religion. It will also go a long way in restoring confidence on the international scene for Malaysia as a moderate Islamic country – at least striving to be so. On the local level it is one more step forward in implementing the One Malaysia concept. I am grateful to the relevant authorities.”

Under God and by His grace, may equanimity rule our hearts and minds, drive our agenda and ensure justice and peace throughout the land.

I used to link the Micah Mandate stuff when I was at the height of my blogging habit.  Apologies for slacking in this area.  Check out the following:

Latest Articles

• A Christ-Centred Response to Migrants and Refugees in Malaysia
• Psalm 46:10
• Heaven Bound
• MCCBCHST: Banggarma Should Have Complete Freedom To Choose Religion
• Saravanan is Dead
• The Two Questioners: “Why Do You Persecute Me?”
• 1 Peter 2:9
• Why I Believe In Malaysiakini
• MB vs MB: The Closing Arguments
• Psalm 46:1-2a

Join us for the Book Launch of Peter’s Pithy Pointers & The Commissioning Of The Micah Mandate this Saturday 5pm.

At the mean time, there is also the option to become a fan of the Micah Mandate too

A couple of weeks ago, I had an extremely fun and interesting experience thanks to Onn Yeoh (whom apart from his books is probably most known for his Realpolitik podcast with political analyst Ong Kian Ming).

I think the writer for the article Azalea Joy Lee did a pretty good job considering the purpose and limits of the piece.  I found myself answering some of the questions easily in a free-flowing manner, while there were times when a pause (perhaps even a struggle?) indicates a much more critical stance to some issues.  Of course, a lot of that kind of nuance can’t be included in short podcast and article.  I’ll leave it to the readers and listeners to make their own guesses

Next to my personal journey, and primary responsibility in and through a local faith community Bangsar Lutheran Church (that’s where the pastor piece comes in!), an important bonus the extension of ministry beyond those central two spheres such as  The Micah Mandate, and also Friends in Conversation got some airtime too!

A connected pastor
Written by Azalea Joy Lee

When you think “pastor”, IT-savvy isn’t usually the first adjective that comes to mind. However, Sivin Kit is one pastor who has a popular blog, is on Facebook and has a Twitter account.

The story of Sivin’s first foray into the blogosphere is an interesting one. He was turned onto the blogging scene by a friend who offered him a section of his blog so Sivin could put his thoughts on the Web. 

After a while, and after changing blog hosts a few times, Sivin finally ended up where he is now at Sivin Kit’s Garden.

Read More

Below is the edited interview audio:

Powered by Podbean.com

Dear friends,
You are specially invited to the launch of Peter Young’s book, Peter’s Pithy Pointers, and the Commissioning of The Micah Mandate.  As many of you would know . . .

The Micah Mandate is described as a “Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility”. It is based on a verse from the book of Micah in the Bible.

The project began shortly after the March 8, 2008 general election.

“A few of us sat down and felt that maybe we could do something to give some space for alternative Christian voices,There is also an element of raising awareness. We were wondering if we could have a unique voice in the midst of other voices.”

The details of the event are below and in the attached pdf.  Looking forward to see you.

the launch of Peter Young’s book, Peter’s Pithy Pointers, and the Commissioning of The Micah Mandate

Date: Saturday,, Aug 22 2009
Time: 5pm – 6pm
Venue: Sin Chew Daily Hall, Petaling Jaya

The book will be sold at RM5 a copy but we encourage bulk purchases
on the day of the launch, so do bring along extra cash.
Please RSVP by Aug 15 for catering numbers. Confirm your attendance
with Bob Teoh via email bobteoh88@gmail.com.
Google map (19 Jalan Semangat Petaling Jaya) for directions.

The Micah Mandate Online E-zine is still trying it’s best to provide space for alternative Christian voice on matters of public concern especially in Malaysia. Forgive me for slacking in redirecting your attention there. I’ve been distracted by Twitter I think

The Gospel of Jesus Forty Years After May 13

I read an awesome quote by Bonhoeffer today, "There can only be a community of peace when it does not rest on lies and injustice." So, what Bob Teoh is calling for is worth our attention.

We need to close the wounds of May 13 so that we can open a new and brave chapter of our journey – of one Malaysia where all Malaysians can live in peace and as equals among brethren.

Restoring Institutional Strength and Separation of Powers

This address was delivered by Tricia during the Perdana Discourse Series 9 by the Perdana Leadership Foundation entitled “The Role of the Judiciary, Executive, Legislature and the Constitutional Monarchy in the Governing of Malaysia”

Salam sejahtera and good morning. I have been asked to share my thoughts with you on the role of the judiciary, executive, legislature and the constitutional monarchy in the governing of Malaysia. My co-panelists, both trained in the law, would no doubt present a complete and thorough legal framework, so I thought that I’d try to capture the sentiments being more urgently and widely expressed by many Malaysians. The viewpoint which you will be sharing with for the next few moments will be that of a person working in government presently, exposed to its systems and cultures, a keen political observer, and a young Malaysian serious about reflecting upon the country’s problems and trying to resolve them through key public policy reforms.

Compassion & Persecution

When I found out Melissa was taken into the police station with another friend of mine as well as others, I was worried. But reading her story and reflection reminds us of the bigger picture then our fears. Check out the video of her being interviewed here: One Night in Brickfields

the first people who must be seen to oppose injustice and show compassion are Christians. Secondly, we must be willing to come out of our comfort zones, and show others by our actions that Christians are not bible-hugging, hymn-singing apathetic people who are content only with “praying” for the wronged and oppressed but that our actions are louder than our words or prayers, important as they are. Thirdly, rather than feel shame for being arrested, I felt an increasing need to tell everyone including my ex students and friends that they should not be consumed by unfounded fears.

CCM Statement On The Perak State Assembly Sitting Of 7th May

I read another great reminder from Bonhoeffer today, "To flee into invisibility is to deny the call.Any community of Jesus which wants to be invisible is no longer a community that follows him".

Some Christians might think we better shut up less we face a back lash or they sincerely believe the Church should not be involved.  But I believe we should speak up, and be in solidarity with those who stand for what is right and just. We have been silent for too long.

Lord have mercy!

• Consistent and Sensitive Translations of “Allah”

Tan Sri Prof. Dzulkufli Abdul Razak, Vice Chancellor of University Science Malaysia wrote an article on the use of ‘Allah’ in the Malay Bible, Alkitab (Bahasa Indonesia version) in theSun on 11 March 2009.

It would have been easy just to dismiss this article since its premise is flawed from the word go: He compares the Malay translation with the New King James Version when the base text of the Bahasa Indonesia version has never been any English version. Indeed the Alkitab makes it clear that it is based on the Biblia Hebraica text for the Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament and the Nestle Aland text for the Greek New Testament.

Nevertheless Dzulkifil’s article provides an opportunity to inform Muslims why they cannot help but fail to understand the Bible since they invariably look at the Bible piecemeal in proof-text fashion. Their lack of hermeneutics is evident from the way they try to read the Bible (where the historical and literary context iis often clearly given) in the same way they read the Quran (where the context is often not evident). Without an appropriate hermeneutical framework it is no wonder they end up misreading the Bible and hitting at strawmen.

• Do We Really Need Them

Imagine, if you will, that you left your country to earn megabucks – let’s say enough money to buy you several houses or start your own business or both – for a few years. Let’s say that when you get to your host country, your employer takes away your passport, tells you exactly where to go, what to do at which time of the day, what time to wake up and what time to sleep.

Your grasp of the language is far from perfect, and you find the communication barrier gets you into trouble. Sometimes, the cultural difference also gets you into trouble. Let’s say you’re signed up as a girl or boy Friday or an au pair, and you give your employer a chicken leg for lunch. Your employer is hugely insulted because it is considered to be the yuckiest part of the chicken, whereas the chicken breast is the most delicious part. Let’s just say that something like that happened.

• The Next Prime Minister of Malaysia

How then do we pick a prime minister and cabinet ministers whose integrity are beyond question? How do we ensure that every branch of the government – from the legislative, the executive, the judiciary, His majesty’s loyal opposition, the civil service and the fourth estate – perform their duties without any hint of corruption?

What do we expect of someone who wants to be our prime minister?

• My A-B-C Agenda

Our movement against bribery and corruption needs to start at the top. The fish, it is said, always rots from the head. But, given that people are not fish, we can say, “People without a clear vision will perish”. But who defines such a vision?

Leadership always defines followership. Poor leaders develop bad followers. Who then defines whether we must or should still move towards Wawasan 2020? Is Vision 2020 still our popular view of where we want to be as a nation?

Or, has our 20-20 hindsight taught us that we lack the clear 20-20 visibility to have even articulated such a big dream to achieve and seek to achieve, that is the per capita level of the US in 1980, by the year 2020?

• Psalm 130 : 3 – 4

We can only be survivors if we accept God’s offer of forgiveness and learn to revere him.

• Jesus Christ – The Victim Of Money Politics

There are two historical events concerning the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ which demonstrate the evil of money politics.

• Faith Without Works Is Dead

“We are not saved by works but we are saved for works.” (G. Stulac)

• Faith And Deeds

Yesterday we began swimming in deep theological waters as we meditated on the subject of faith and deeds. We continue this dangerous swim both today and tomorrow. I am therefore making more use of commentaries, trusting that they will serve as lifebelts enabling us to keep our heads above the water!

“In verse 18 James challenged anyone to be able to claim genuine faith without the authenticating works, and he declares the only way to have genuine faith is to carry it out with deeds. He affirms the necessity of both faith and actions and says he will show the former by the latter.” (George Stulac). Thus, it is not a case of “either..or” but of “both..and”. It is not a case of works being added to faith but of genuine faith including works.

• Faith Without Deeds

Note that the person involved claims to have faith. James now questions whether this claim can be a genuine one if it does not produce good deeds.

• The Royal Law

Jesus Christ gave a perfect example of neighbourly love when an expert in the Law asked Jesus: “And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29). In the story that follows (see Luke 10:30-37) there are three parties involved with the man who “fell into the hands of robbers”. Firstly, the robbers whose life motto was “what is yours is mine, if I can get it.” One does not need to be a robber in order to be desperate to wrest a higher position from someone else in the workplace, the society, the organization,the political party or even the church! The priest and Levite passed by on the other side because they lived with their motto “what is mine is mine, if I can keep it.” They were only interested in their own affairs and had no time or concern for those in need. But the Samaritan had a different motto, which he put into practice as he looked at the victim, “what is mine is yours if you need it.” His thoughts, his time, his action and his finance were all at the disposal of the person in need. The despised Samaritan obeyed the Royal Law by showing mercy.

There will be those who find Tan Sri Professor Dzulkifli Abdul Razak’s piece Inconsistent, insensitive translations of ‘Allah’ logically compelling and intellectually persuasive.  I can try to understand why they do. I am not one of them.

Of course, I admit my bias upfront. I’m not a professional academic. But I consider myself willing to learn and engaged with differing opinions. I am a Christian. I am also a pastor. Which to some might mean I’m not neutral.  But then who is?

I do believe I try my best to be respectfully reflective.  I believe some of my Muslim friends have witnessed how a Christian has used the word Allah which in no way falls under his “inconsistencies, inaccuracies and insensitivities” categorization. But in actual fact, is genuinely worshipful, prayerful and respectful consistent with one’s conviction and belief.

One more random thought, I do wonder how in Prof. Dzulkifli’s words – “the public order implications under section 298 of the Malaysian Penal Code which forbids the wounding of religious feelings.” would apply to Christians in relation his particular article? I’m referring specifically to what if the religious feelings of Christians who use the word “Allah” in Bahasa Malaysia is wounded.(I can imagine hearing my Sikh friend saying, “Don’t forget about me!”)

It’s a little bit too late at night for me to enter into a more in depth reflection.  I prefer to direct our attention to at least one response.  My friend  Bob Teoh and fellow co-founder of Micah Mandate has a little bit more to say. Perhaps more will come. Will this piece be logically compelling and intellectually persuasive?  Maybe, maybe not. But perhaps, we can have some space to share what we think and how we feel. It’s hard when there’s “a gazette” factor thrown in. Okay, before I get carried away with my own views. I should let Bob speak for himself below. 

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Oh No, Not The Allah Word Again!

Posted on 12 March 2009 by Bob Teoh

Of late, increasing efforts are underway to prevent or force Bahasa-speaking bumiputra Christians from using the word Allah for God in the Al Kitab and Christian publications. The injustice of it all is that two-thirds of Christians in Malaysia are bumiputras. Should such efforts to prohibit them from using the Allah word, it is not only a gross violation of their human rights but also of their constitutional rights.

More significantly, more and more of the younger generation Chinese and Indian Christians are also relying on the Bahasa Malaysia Al-Kitab simply because they are educated mainly in Bahasa Malaysia. Demographics tell us that Christians who speak English, Chinese or Tamil are increasingly becoming the minority. Therein lies the urgency for the church in Malaysia to publish Christian resources in Bahasa Malaysia. See in this light, the hidden agenda behind onslaught against Christians using the Allah word becomes crystal-clear. There must come a time when we must stand up to such bigotry and stand on our God-given right to practice our faith in peace and security.

I must be quick to point out that we must also not take all Muslims to task for the ongoing attack against Christians in Malaysia. The problem seems to be orchestrated by politicians belonging to Umno, the dominant Malay political party, their ulamas, and their supporters.

It was only yesterday that another attack appeared. This time it was an article in The Sun with the headline: Inconsistent, insensitive translations of ‘Allah’ By: Dzulkifli Abdul Razak, Vice Chancellor of USM (Wed, 11 Mar 2009).

My comment is that Dzulkifli Abdul Razak is mischievous in suggesting there is a hidden agenda by Christians to confuse Muslims by translating the word God as Allah in the Al-Kitab or Bahasa Malaysia Bible. He is even more ludicrous to suggest that this “may have public order implications under section 298 of the Malaysian Penal Code which forbids the wounding of religious feelings“. Is he suggesting that the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims should now be criminalised?

The question surely is, why after all these years, some Muslims like Dzukifli are confused and hurt? Others like PAS leader Nik Aziz do not share the same sentiments. In fact, he says it’s alright for Christians to use the word Allah.

An Islamic scholar, Hasim Kamali, founding chairman and CEO of the newly set up International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Malaysia, writing a commentary in the names of Allah in a newspaper says: “Allah” is the Arabic equivalent of “God”, and the two words have been used synonymously by all people throughout the history of religion.

Let’s look at the facts in the usage of the Allah word. Malaysia is the only country in the whole world that has a hang-up over this. The fact is also that the word was already in use long before the arrival of Islam. So how can Dzulkifli claim that its usage is tied to the idea of Islamic tauhid or oneness of God and anything else smacks of ” vulgarism of sort, and an affront to Muslims?”

The fact is also that the Malay language translation of portions of the Bible was the first non-European language Bible translation in the world and this was done in 1612. The King James Version, or the official English translation, was completed only one year earlier. The fact remains that the Malay language translation of the Bible was done even before the Qur’an was translated into Bahasa Indonesia or Malaysia. The Al-Kitab has a glorious heritage of some 400 years.

If at all there is any confusion, the likes of Dzukifli have only themselves to blame for being ignorant or dismissive of the history and etymology of the usage of the Allah word. Or maybe Dzukifli himself has a hidden agenda of trying to confuse the matter at hand so that Christians will be denied their constitutional and human rights to use this word in the practice of their faith.

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.] Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!

(1 Peter 3:13-17 Holy Scripture, New Living Translation)

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