JAN 4 — Suaram condemns the raid of the Selangor Islamic Department (Jais) on the Bible Society Malaysia (BSM) and the seizure of 321 copies of the bible in the Malay language and 10 other bibles in the Iban language on the very second day of the new year of 2014.

The raid of Jais is blatant violation of freedom of religion, which is guaranteed in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 to ensure all human beings are able to practise their religion and belief freely.

It is also a gross abuse of power by Jais by conducting the raid without a warrant, and its threat to force its way into the office of BSM if they would not open the door for them.

We call on Jais to immediately return the bibles seized and for the police to drop all pending charges against the chairperson and office manager of BSM, Lee Ming Choon and Sinclair Wong.

We are alarmed by their detention, as Jais clearly does not have jurisdiction over non-Muslims.

It is also appalling that Jais gave the lame excuse of forgetfulness in explaining the failure of informing and consulting the Selangor state government before the raid. The director of Jais should be suspended for such negligence in his responsibility.

Is Jais now an Islamic agency that operates without the restraints of law or accountability to thee Selangor state government?  

Suaram also questions the timing of the raid, whether this is a politically calculated move to divert public attention on the rising living costs suffered by Malaysians as it was conducted immediately after the hugely successful rally organised by student and youth groups against price hikes on 31 December 2013, which saw more than 10,000 protesting at Merdeka Square.       

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.