Priest calls seizing of Bible in Malaysia unlawful, unconstitutional

January 06, 2014 - A Malaysian Catholic priest has condemned as unlawful and unconstitutional last week’s raid and seizure of some 300 Bibles from a Christian centre, over controversy over the use of the word ‘Allah’. Islamic authorities in the State of Selangor raided a centre of the Bible Society of Malaysia centre on Thursday, seizing 321 Bibles and arresting two Christian leaders who were later released on bail. Local government officials "have no authority to enter a Christian centre" and carry out acts that are visibly contrary to the constitution of Malaysia, Fr Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Catholic weekly Herald told AsiaNews. He was reacting to further abuses against the religious minority, already struggling in a controversial court case involving the use of the word "Allah" in reference to the Christian God. The Catholic priest noted the constitution says that every religious group is "free to practice its religion and manage its own affairs" without outside "interference", as was Thursday’s case. Indeed, the controversy over 'Allah' is a source of problems for the nation. The raid came after a Malaysian court in October ruled that the Arabic word ‘Allah’ was exclusive to Muslims, most of whom are ethnic Malays, the largest ethnic group in the country alongside sizeable Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities. (Source: AsiaNews)