Bible translation ‘no child’s play’
KOTA KINABALU: Translating the Bible to the Malay language is no child’s play, said Science, Technology and Innovation minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau.
Madius said Christians should accept gracefully the interest shown by people, including Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP), on the matter. However, he reminded that this would require more than just mere translation.
“Those interested to translate the ‘Book’ (Bible), including Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka, we accept the suggestion with an open heart,” said Madius when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 2017 Manggatal Christmas Celebration here yesterday.
“It is not something to be played around, to translate the bible,” he hastily added.
Madius stressed that the translators must have mastery of the original languages used in the Bible such as Greek or Latin. In addition, he said, translators must have a deep understanding of the Bible, which could also include a proper visit to the holy Christian grounds and such.
Madius also acknowledged issues regarding religious freedom in Sabah but cautioned against religious politicization in the nation.
“There are people, politicians like myself, who like to bring up the issue so they can get votes. But in matters of God, do not use it to get votes. Please,” he said.
“We are nothing but just an instrument of the Lord. For the glory of the Lord, not for the glory of the individual. What more to gain support by using this issue to say things about one another. No,” emphasized the federal minister.
Madius also called upon Christian parents and schools in Sabah to embrace the fact that the Bible Knowledge subject in schools are taught in English language.
He noted that more than 500 students will sit for the paper in the 2018 SPM examinations.
Madius said, the school management and parents should eliminate the fear of failing the examinations just because it is taught in English so that the number of students taking up the subject in Form One can be increased in the future.