Bible ban in Pahang hotels draws flak

Islamic authorities in Pahang have overstepped their jurisdiction by banning non-Muslim religious materials in hotels in the state, say political and religious leaders.

The Pahang Islamic and Malay Customs Council's (Muip) recent prohibition is the first ever such ban to be issued in the country involving hotels, and has drawn strong criticism from both Muslim and non-Muslim leaders.

It comes several months after the Selangor religious authorities controversially seized more than 300 Bahasa Malaysia and Iban-language Bibles from the Bible Society of Malaysia, citing a violation of the state enactment.

Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh said even if Muip had acted within the jurisdiction of the state enactment, it should focus on other more serious issues such as combating corruption and illegal internet gambling undermining the family institution and even lives.

Fuziah (pic, right) said the Muslims' faith was not so vulnerable that it could be shaken by a copy of the Bible in a hotel room, adding that if Muslims could be easily confused if they read the Bible, the blame is on Muip for failing to create awareness, education and understanding of the Muslim faith.

She urged the religious body to be balanced in its approach, and to adhere to the teachings of Islam such as inculcating good values and prohibiting evil.

"Islam teaches us 'amar Ma'ruf and nahi munkar', which is to promote good and prohibit evil.

"So instead of prohibiting what they perceive to be evil, they should also promote good values," said Fuziah.

Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Rev Dr Hermen Shastri (pic, left) went a step further, saying that the state religious authority had acted beyond its jurisdiction, and pointed out that hotels were not religious establishments and were used by people of different faiths.

He said that if a guest wished to read the scriptures of their respective religion in the privacy of their rooms, it was their right.

"It is obvious that the Pahang Islamic and Malay Customs Council is acting beyond its jurisdiction.

"What right have they to deny non-Muslims to read whatever holy books in their hotel rooms," he asked.

He suggested that the matter be debated in the state assembly so that all parties could have their say on issues that affect their religious freedom.

Human Rights Movement (Proham) secretary-general, Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria (pic, left), said the ban was a violation of human rights and not consistent with the provisions in the Federal Constitution.

He added that overprotecting Muslims would not strengthen their faith.

"There is nothing wrong in reading and knowing, although converting is a different matter.

"In a multi-religious society, we must be more open to know, understand and appreciate other people and their beliefs," said Denison, who is also a joint secretariat member of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Institute of Ethnic Studies and the National Unity and Integration Department.

Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, meanwhile, in a text message to The Malaysian Insider, expressed her angst in one word, "madness".

However, Parit Buntar MP Datuk Mujahid Rawa (pic, right) felt that there was nothing to be upset about if Muip had acted within the context of the state law.

He said the council may have been concerned over propagation among Muslims, especially if Bibles in Malay with the word "Allah" are left in hotel rooms.

"But there is nothing to stop people of other religions from carrying their own religious material and reading them in their hotel rooms, especially as these days the holy book can be downloaded into the Android and IPads," he added.

Yesterday, Bernama reported that a letter of prohibition by Muip had been sent to 147 hotels across the state since March 6, and those who defied the directive could be subjected to legal action.

The letter was issued under the Control and Restriction of the Propagation of Non-Islamic Religions Among Muslims Enactment 1989, in line with Article 11 (4) of the Federal Constitution.

Muip deputy president Datuk Seri Wan Abdul Wahid Wan Hassan reportedly said the placement of the materials in the hotel rooms could be regarded as an act of spreading other religious beliefs to Muslims.

If convicted, those involved could be fine up to RM5,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both. – April 25, 2014.