The National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) said the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) raid at the Bible College of Malaysia last week was regrettable.

Despite the action which caused unhappiness among the Christians in the country, the council called on all Malaysians to maintain national unity and harmony among the people.

Council president Tan Sri Samsudin Osman said that was among the ten proposals made by the council in their first meeting, held in Kuala Lumpur, Monday.

He said everyone should be concerned and take into consideration the religious sensitivities in Malaysia and refrain from issuing statements that can disrupt racial harmony.

He also stressed that the council is only responsible for looking for solutions on unity matters and said “Allah” issue should be left to the right authorities.

“We are not talking about the Kalimah Allah because that is a separate issue, that’s for the people concerned to talk,” he said.

“But what we are concerned, we regret the raid and the confiscation of the bibles, because many see that as a transgression to another and that is unacceptable,” he added.

He also called on all political party leaders to be more proactive in ensuring that Malaysians of all race enjoy good relationship.

Samsudin added that the first unity dialogue with the people will be held on Feb 22 in Kuala Lumpur.

It will also be held in 16 other cities throughout the country.

Round table discussions will also be held with relevant small group of individuals to seek their input on national unity.

Among the 30 members of the NUCC include former Bar Council president Lim Chee Wee, former deputy Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and Malaysian Crime prevention Foundation vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The council was formed last November at the suggestion of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to achieve national unity and forge closer ties between people of all races in the country.