Society: MBPJ officers' action just doesn't seem right

PETALING JAYA: The Bible Society Of Malaysia (BSM) is claiming that yesterday’s attempt by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers to enter its premises, purportedly to check for illegal renovations and extensions, smacks of ill-intent.

“After the Jais incident (raid last Thursday), we consider this very sensitive and a form of harassment,” said BSM president Lee Min Choon at a press conference yesterday.

Narrating the incident, BSM’s general-secretary, Rev Dr Simon Wong, said he was surprised when two MBPJ officers showed up at the BSM office in Damansara Kim at 9am, asking if they could enter the premises to inspect for illegal renovations and extensions.

“I refused and asked them to produce proper written authorisation and to make an appointment, after which they left to report this to their boss,” he said.

When asked if there were any renovations carried out, Wong replied: “Only some internal partitioning.” He added that this was the first incident with the council since BSM moved into its office in 1986 after it was formed a year earlier.

On the seizure of bibles, Lee said the justification used by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais), that its action was in line with established procedure had placed the entire Christian community here at great risk to similar action in future.

“Saying that Jais followed standard operating procedure is saying it is justified in carrying out such operations,” said Lee, who was arrested during the raid.

Asked if he would take legal action, Lee said he did not want to do so.

“I believe in the good nature and goodwill that exist among Malay­sians, and that is why I am offering my hand in friendship,” he added.

In response, MBPJ assistant public relations officer Zainun Zakaria said the two women technicians from the council’s buildings department had gone over to the BSM in response to a complaint from a neighbour.

“Allegations of harassment is wrong, as both technicians did not enter the premises or even speak in a harsh manner,” said Zainun.