Tension over ‘Allah’ issue worries Christians

PETALING JAYA (Jan 15, 2014): The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is concerned over escalating tension with regard to the "Allah" issue.
Its chairman Rev Eu Hong Seng said incidents that contributed to the situation included the singling out of Father Lawrence Andrew, the editor of the Herald, for criticism with threats of "mega demonstrations" against him.
Another incident was the newspaper advertisement on Jan 11 placed by the head of Selangor Islamic Council (MAIS) justifying the raid by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) on the premises of the Bible Society of Malaysia.
He said demonstrations near Shekinah Glory AG Church in Klang and the gathering by a group of about 100 people outside the Metro Tabernacle Church in Gombak had heightened tensions.
"We are of the view that none of these incidents was either helpful or prudent in the current environment," said Eu.
He said the 10-point solution announced by the government in April 2011 should have resolved the "Allah" controversy.
"In the absence of any clear direction from the political leadership, what we are witnessing is the mad scramble by any and every group to grab media attention. Regrettably, the government that devised the 10-point solution is now silent about it," he said.
Expressing that CFM remains undaunted, Eu said: "We stand firm and united in our understanding of the principles of the freedom of religion and the equal protection of the law, both of which are guaranteed in the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the land.
"We look to the courts of this land to protect, preserve and defend these cherished principles of our Constitution.
"We stand by individuals such as Father Lawrence and churches that have been singled out to be recipients of unwarranted and undeserved protests, and with the many Christians in this country whose only offence has been a heartfelt desire to worship and address God in their own language," he added.
Eu said 64% of Christians in Malaysia have no other language for their Bible, prayer and worship except Bahasa Malaysia.
"We thank friends and neighbours from other faiths who understand this history and who are standing with us and by us in these dark days.
"We call on all peace-loving people in Malaysia and throughout the world to continue to pray for peace and security of individual Christians, churches and communities, and for justice to prevail in our beloved nation," he added.