BN upbeat despite Taib and bible issues

Minister Nazri says the Sarawak CM is innocent of
corruption until proven guilty and the Al-Kitab
controversy is a non-issue.

TAIPING: Umno claims that Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud is not a liability for Barisan Nasional despite widely publicised allegations that he has abused power and committed corruption.

“These are mere allegations that have to be proven in court,” said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz. “A man is innocent until proven guilty.”

He said the allegations would not affect BN’s performance in the April 16 Sarawak state election.

He also rejected speculation that BN would lose the support of Christian voters over the Al-Kitab controversy.

“This is now a non-issue,” he said of Christian anger over what they describe as desecration of Malay bibles with a government chop and serial numbers.

On Saturday, the government unveiled its formula for ending the month-long controversy.

Idris Jala, another minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said the government had decided to allow the import of the bible in all languages.

For Sabah and Sarawak, there will be no requirement for any stamp or serial number.

For Peninsular Malaysia, the bible in Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign on the cover.

Nazri was speaking to reporters after attending a dinner to raise funds for a SMK Hua Lian in Perak over the weekend. He pledged RM1 million for the construction of a four-storey building that would cost RM3 million.

He also commented on PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang’s call for the syariah court system to handle the case of Anwar Ibrahim’s alleged sexual indiscretion.

“Why must he practise double standards?” Nazri said.

“Most cases involving murder, rape, robbery and serious crimes have always been tried in a civil court. What is so special about Anwar that he must be tried in a syariah court?”