Well the Word has gained popularity overnight. I can’t say much because its not my area and secondly, the rules seems to be different for the others.

As of 12.15am, three (or four) churches had some sort of explosives thrown, with one damaged quite bad, and another two escaped because the materials didn’t explode. A pastor was “mandhandled” by four guys and some items vandalised in Kg Pandan. One pastor in Kuala Selangor was given advice by a (hopefully) wellwisher to be careful. Ibrahim Ali, as expected, says it may be acts to sabotage his religion. Well, that’s his opinion and we respect that.

The King has issued statement while PM, DPM, and host of politicians condemned the attacks. MIC guys are still in India (150 over people attending the Parvasi I  think) so local media may not be able to access their response.

But note what Singapore Straits Times quoted from Minister Ahmad Zahidi:

‘This is Malaysia. Do not equate us with another country. We are an Islamic country as stated in the Constitution,’ he said, adding that there was a hidden agenda to use the word ‘Allah’ in the Herald, the Catholic publication.

In raising this issue, Mr Ahmad Zahid said a small group of non-Muslim leaders was trying to question the position of Islam in Malaysia.

Islam is the official religion under the Federal Constitution while the right of non-Muslims to worship is also protected.

‘Don’t play with fire and challenge the Muslims. We are willing to do anything to protect our religion,’ he warned.

If we have people who don’t understand constitution as Ministers, what else to expect? Or is it the paper misquoted the minister?

The former president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) , Datuk A. Vaithilingam, said the inter-religious committee should be reconvened immediately. The committee has not met for more than one year, he claimed. I doubt this idea will be welcomed by the protesters.

Small protests (Utusan said 3000 strong, but others put it at few hundreds) at mosques (within compounds) happened in about 10 locations in KL, Selangor, Johor, Terengganu among others. While Home Minister said nothing seditious was said at the protests, MK mentioned that one of the protesters (from the cow head case) mentioned about “burning”. Not sure if there’s any recording of that which can be provided to the police and Home Minister.

What about the situation on East Malaysia, the source of the cause of this problem? Why the protests are largely in KL and Selangor, plus unaffected area like Terengganu? Where are the politicians from East Malaysia? I think only Bernard Dompok and Maximus Ongkili said something so far (here, here, and here). I wonder what Bung Mokhtar would say 🙂 Say, would the folks in East Malaysia remember this?

Makes me think, if the ban was not put into place, all this would not have happened. Things were going well as it is, until someone saw it fit to interfere in the religious affairs of the Christians. I see it as interference because what they do with their religions and books is their problem as long as they don’t proselytize to Muslims. If there’s proof that such attempts took place, then can charge the persons because our law says cannot promote other religions to Muslims.  So, if some of the Muslims purposely go and search for materials from Herald, is it Herald’s fault or the Muslim’s fault?

The religious experts are saying different things about the use, exclusivity, and history of the Word. They themselves can’t (or won’t) agree on this, what more of politicians and public who have practically lesser knowledge. Some experts saying it involves sociological context, sensitivity of the majority, and other what-nots. Some even say Syariah Court should rule on Herald’s application! Lots of factors to consider.

I think the judge ruled wisely saying that banning the Word is interfering with other’s people’s rights because there are laws that exist to ensure others don’t misuse their freedom.

I can’t really see a solution to this problem because ruling on a total ban will most likely damage our name in the international circle and create uproar in East Malaysia (from which the ruling government draws some of its power), while a total approval will provide ammo for more protests and attacks.

I have to offer a word of thanks to the Christian community which consists of various races, for not reacting aversely to the attacks on their places of worship.

As for Hindus, let us pray for a solution, an enlightenment from almighty God, that an amicable solution be found. Let us not become emotional or condemn without purpose and care. We have not used the Word in our prayers, so we are not affected. Yet, we can empathize with the Muslims and Christians, and pray for the Divine to open their minds.

Well, let’s see if the Word divides or unites (and who it divides and/or unites).