Put the Bible issue to rest: Azmin
Published on: Thursday, December 11, 2014
KAJANG: The issue of the seized Bibles in Selangor has been settled and there is no need to blow it out of proportion, said Selangor Mentri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali at a Christmas-Deepavali gathering at the Church of the Holy Family here.Reports had surfaced recently that there were prohibitions stamped on the inside of the Bibles after they were returned, that warned its against distribution 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 to be rightfully used only by Muslims.
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Mohamed Azmin also reminded the parishioners that Christmas is a time for forgiving."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.He 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 who bestowed his blessings to fellow parishioners and sent his well wishes to Azmin and Anwar.
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In an apparent reference to the recent decision by the Selangor palace to revoke his "Datuk Seri" title, Anwar said in his speech that titles and positions of a person do not matter in the eyes of God."God does not judge positions, riches and the power we hold. He looks at values, beliefs, morals and ethics of a person," Anwar said to a crowd of 1,200 parishioners who had earlier welcomed him with thunderous applause.
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He added that speaking on church grounds is not an issue to him as he remains committed to making Malaysia a just and tolerant country.Parish Priest Father George Harrison later said a prayer for Anwar in Mandarin and English and blessed the Opposition leader.