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KUCHING, Jan 19 – The Sarawak Christian community celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of two new Bahasa Malaysia Bibles: the ‘Alkitab Kudus Malaysia’ and the ‘Alkitab Berita Baik Edisi Studi’.
Organised by the Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) in collaboration with the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS), the event took place at Trinity Methodist Church Kuching. This historic moment aimed to empower Bahasa Malaysia-speaking Christians across the nation with tools for deeper spiritual growth and understanding.
The launch saw the attendance of prominent Christian leaders, including BSM president Bishop Datuk Ng Moon Hing, ACS chairman Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute, ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang, and BSM secretary-general Revd Mathew K Punnoose.
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Speaking at the event, Datuk Danald Jute emphasised the importance of Bible translations, stating, “Bahasa Malaysia is not just our national language but a sacred language through which God speaks to us. These translations remind us that God understands all languages.”
Bishop Ng Moon Hing shed light on the dedication behind the translations, explaining that the Alkitab Kudus Malaysia, a 13-year effort, adheres to formal equivalence for scholarly study and preaching. In contrast, the Alkitab Berita Baik Edisi Studi, initiated in 2005, enriches readers with commentaries, cross-references, and notes for deeper scriptural understanding.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Iban Study Bible (Trial Edition), with the finalised version set for release next year.
Representatives from various denominations, including Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Poh and Reverend Bina Agong of the Borneo Evangelical Mission, joined in prayers, praise, and worship to mark this monumental occasion.