How long will it take before the Selangor government decides on the bibles seized by JAIS? — Tan Keng Liang

APRIL 10 — I refer to Jabatan Agama Islam Selangor (JAIS) raid and seizure of more than 300 Christian bibles in Malay and Iban language at the premise of the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) on January 2, 2014.

Recently, the menteri besar of Selangor Datuk Khalid Ibrahim has asked BSM to write to the Attorney-General to obtain the return of the bibles seized by JAIS.

For the record, JAIS is a Selangor government state agency under the purview of Pakatan. The bibles were seized by JAIS and are still in their custody. It’s absurd for the menteri besar of Selangor to suggest that BSM write to the Attorney General for the return of the bibles seized by JAIS. It’s beyond the jurisdiction of the Attorney-General.

On the other hand (two days ago), Sallehen Mukhyi, the Selangor Exco in charge of Religious Affairs had said that the investigation over the matter had yet to be completed and the return of the bibles can only be considered after the investigation is completed.

The raid and seizure of the said Christian bibles by Selangor government state agency had caused anxiety and uneasiness among Christian communities in Selangor as well as other states in our country. This had further created unwanted friction between Muslim and Christian communities in Malaysia.

It is irresponsible for Selangor government to push the issue to the Attorney-General, who has no power to instruct JAIS (a Selangor state agency) to return the bibles seized by them.

The menteri besar of Selangor can easily refer the matter to Selangor’s state Legal Advisor (who’s also in the exco of the state) if he needs any legal views on the matter.

Why need to refer to the Attorney General? As the head of Selangor Pakatan government, the menteri besar of Selangor must give a definitive time frame when would the state complete investigation over the matter.

The bibles were seized more than three months ago. How much longer does the Selangor government need to investigate the matter?

It’s unfair to detain the Christian bibles indefinitely. A decision must be made by the Selangor Pakatan government over the matter without any further delay or excuses.

* Tan Keng Liang is Gerakan Youth Chief.

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