An update on this story. Apparently the official word is that there will be “no further conditions” placed on the importation or local production of Bibles in Sabah and Sarawak, two provinces with major Christian populations. Outside of those two provinces, the language required on the covers of Bibles that said things to the effect of “Only for Christians” has been softened to “Christian Publication,” though the intent is still obvious.

Have we heard the last of this? Almost certainly not, for as long as this story has dragged on. This report does not mention the matter of the use of the word “Allah” for “God,” which has always been a prime sticking point. There will likely be fine print, loopholes with which to revisit the “Allah” issue, and selective implementation. And that doesn’t take into account the potential response of Malaysia’s Islamic supremacists (when they’re not busy blaming their wives for not having sex with them).

It remains to be seen whether the government will keep its word and stand up to pressure from Muslims whose paranoia — in their supposed show of strength — gives the appearance they are afraid their faith cannot sustain itself in the face of free access to the Bible. “Kuala Lumpur authorizes importation and printing of the Bible in any language,” from Asia News, April 9:

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