Do not blow up bible issue, says Azmin

KAJANG: The issue of the seized Bibles in Selangor has been settled and there is no need to blow it out of proportion.
Speaking at a Christmas-Deepavali gathering at the Church of the Holy Family here, Selangor Mentri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali said: "Let's not blow this out of proportion, the issue is already resolved."
Reports had surfaced recently that there were prohibitions stamped on the inside of the recently returned Bibles which warned against distribution of the scripture in Selangor.
A total of 321 Malay and Iban Bibles were seized earlier this year from the Bible Society of Malaysia by the Selangor religious authorities as it contained the word "Allah" which is deemed only for Muslims.
He also reminded the parishioners that Christmas is a time for forgiving one and all.
"It is a time to remind ourselves that understanding each other is important, we have to exercise tolerance and celebrate our differences and diversity," he added.
Azmin also vowed that he will not allow any form of extremism to spread in Selangor.
Also present at the event were PKR de factor leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Reverend Father Julian Leow Beng Kim who bestowed his blessings to fellow parishioners and sent his well wishes to Azmin and Anwar.
In an apparent reference to the Selangor Palace's recent decision to revoke his "Datuk Seri" title, Anwar in his speech said titles and positions of a person do not matter in the eyes of God.
"God does not judge positions, riches and power we hold, he looks at values, beliefs, morals and ethics of a person," he said to a crowd of 1,200 parishioners who attended the gathering.
Citing an example from the Bible, Anwar said the Pharoah was the most decorated man in all of Egypt but he was the most dishonourable in God's eyes.
Anwar added that speaking on church grounds does not bother him as he remains committed to making Malaysia a just and tolerant country.
Anwar had recently had his "Datuk Seri" withdrawn by the Selangor Sultan for repeatedly questioning the Sultan's integrity and the credibility of the Royal Institution during the recent Selangor mentri besar crisis.
At the talk, the crowd was buzzing with the Christmas spirit high in the air.
There was thunderous applause as Anwar made his way to deliver his speech.
Parish Priest Father George Harrison said a prayer for Anwar in Mandarin and English and blessed the Opposition leader.