Khalid should meet AG to resolve Bible issue soon

A meeting between Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and the Attorney-General (AG) should be held as soon as possible to resolve the controversial Bible seizure issue by the Selangor State Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), earlier this year.

Puchong Member of Parliament Gobind Singh Deo said there were great concern among the public over the matter and Khalid should not keep silent as the raid was carried out by JAIS and involved the state.

“The Menteri Besar ought to take it upon himself to seek an audience with the AG with a view towards pressing him for answers in relation to this investigation.”

“It should inspire confidence if he took a proactive approach in the matter rather than appearing to want to push it upon the AG alone for resolution.”

On January 2, 2104, a team from Jais raided the Bible Society of Malaysia offices in Damansara Kim and seized more than 300 copies of the Alkitab and Bup Kudus.

The seized bibles were alleged to be used for investigation purposes.

The discretion as to whether or not to commence a criminal prosecution after the investigation, lies in the AG under the provisions of Article 145 of the Federal Constitution.

Gobind also pressed for the AG to explain the delay in investigations and returning the bibles.

“I call upon the Attorney General to explain why there is a delay in this case. Why has the Attorney-General kept silent despite the open criticisms and calls for the return of the bibles seized?”

“There has been great public debate as to whether or not the seized bibles ought to have been seized in the first place and or whether or not they ought to remain seized,” he said.