ICC Calls on Malaysian Government to Release 15,000 Bibles

Washington, D.C. (November 13, 2009)–International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that the Malaysian government has seized and continued to hold 15,000 Bibles. They have been held since September 29^th because the translation for “God” is the same as “Allah.”

The word that is pivotal in the translation is unique to Bahasa Malaysia, formerly the official language of Malaysia and currently the official language of Indonesia. Since the 1970’s this language has been the primary way that many in Malaysia receive their education.

ICC’s Regional Manager, Logan Maurer, said “The prohibition against non-Muslims using the word ‘Allah’ for God is against the protection of religious expression found in the Malaysian constitution. It is an effort on behalf of the Muslim government to hinder any advancement Christianity is making.”

ICC would like to ask those opposed to the Malaysian government’s actions to call the Malaysian Embassy at 202-572-9700 and express their opinion.