Malaysia will allow Bible imported without 'warning label'

(April 13, 2011) The government of Malaysia on Monday announced plans to allow the importation of Bibles, without the warning label that had been required under an earlier announced policy. Christians in Malaysia had refused to accept Bibles that carried the government-mandated label warning that the book should be read only by Christians. The government has backed off that policy, with an apology to Christians. The new policy requires only that the Bibles have a cross on the cover and are marked “Christian publication.” The government's earlier restrictions had been designed to prevent proselytization of the country's predominantly Muslim population.
The Bible Society of Malaysia has accepted the solution proposed by the government. Its president, Lee Min Choon, in a statement said they were “deeply touched by the government’s humility in admitting its shortcomings in its management of the problem and in asking for forgiveness." "The Bible Society of Malaysia forgives, without hesitation," he added.