Pembela, an umbrella body representing 19 Muslim NGOs, is unhappy with the government's handling of the Al-Kitab issue, claiming it threatens the position of Islam in the country.
Expressing disappointment over the government's 10-point solution presented to Christian groups to address the Al-Kitab controversy amicably, Pembela chairman Dr Yusri Mohamad is doubtful it will solve the issue.
"We are disappointed by the way the issue is handled (by the government) and certainly not comfortable in the way it is being pushed by the Christian groups.
"We feel this move to push for the Malay Bibles is an attempt to increase penetration of Christianity among the Muslims," he said at a press conference at the NGO's office today.
Yusri, who is also the Islamic and Strategic Studies Institute president, said Pembela believes the government's decision to allow the publication and distribution of Al-Kitab – which contains the word "Allah" – in the country, will confuse many Muslims.
The government had, in its 10-point solutions released in a statement by Minister in the PM's department Datuk Seri Idris Jala, allowed Bibles in all languages to be imported into and also be printed in the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
This follows pressure from Christian groups over the Home Ministry's decision to hold some 35,000 thousand copies of the Al-Kitab which had been languishing in Port Klang and Kuching Port for the past two years.
"As we understand it, the (solutions) were produced without consulting the Fatwa Council, religious scholars and Muslim NGOs," Yusri said.
Yusri said Pembela is organising a gathering of Muslim groups on Saturday to seek a common ground and an action plan in facing what he called "threats to the position of Islam".
