The law must be allowed to take its course, debates should be discontinued

Gerakan echoes calls to seek an end towards Bible impasse

Cheah Soon Hai: The law must be allowed to take its course, debates should be discontinued

Press statement by

Gerakan Deputy President

Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai

5 November 2014

Gerakan Deputy President, Dato’ Dr. Cheah Soon Hai praised and supported courageous calls by concerning parties to draw an end to issue of confiscated Bible copies and subsequent controversies that stemmed from its questionable post-issue management. He was of the opinion that all parties must come to a realisation that debates surrounding confiscated Bible copies should be discontinued with national interest and social unity be kept as the foremost priority in the mind and heart of all faithful Malaysians.

Cheah supported Minister in Prime Minister’s Department’s, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup’s call on Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) to review into the case involving Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali’s threat to burn Bibles. He stressed that it is important that the AGC does not prejudge the matter and should have allowed the judiciary to decide. He said Gerakan disagreed with the continuous application of Sedition Act and suggests that Ibrahim Ali could be charged under Section 107 of the Penal code for incitement or abetment to commit criminal offence, whilst seizure and burning of bibles constitutes an offence under Section 441 of the Penal Code for ‘criminal trespass’.

“As previously reiterated by some Gerakan leaders, we call upon AGC to review the case as it is of public interest and to uphold social justice. AGC’s decision not to pursue the case could send a wrong message to the public that burning holy books is a legitimate form of expression, it is a dangerous precedent that we could never afford to mistake,” said Cheah

Cheah also echoed Bishop Dr Paul Tan Chee Ing’s magnanimous gesture for readily extending forgiveness to Perkasa’s president Ibrahim Ali over his bible-burning threat. He continued that while social justice must be pursued, it is even more important for Malaysian public to foster mutual understanding and respect.

“National unity is dependent on our ability to envision social equality and the means to promote it. We must show goodwill and understanding towards our fellow Malaysians, it is the surest way for the nation to move forward,” said Cheah.