Derogatory Jesus Picture in Malaysian Newspaper

Derogatory cartoons of Mohammad bring out the best in the Muslims; worldwide protests, calls for jihad and the usual assortment of terror attacks. When another religion is featured in the cartoons…well you know.

"Malaysia: Anger over Jesus cartoon in newspaper" from AKI:

Kula Lumpur, 23 August (AKI) - A Malaysian Tamil-language newspaper, Makkal Ossai, has apologised for publishing an image of Jesus holding a cigarette and what appeared to be a can of beer. However the daily is facing calls to be shut down, according to a report in the Malaysian daily, The Star.

The picture of Jesus was reportedly downloaded from the Internet and used on the front page of the paper on Tuesday in a section to highlight the sayings of great sages and leaders. The image was accompanied by a quote which said: “If a person repents his mistakes, heaven awaits him.”

The newspaper issued an apology but a group representing minority religions in Malaysia has called on the authorities to take action against the paper for offending the Christian community in the country.

Malaysia is a majority Muslim country and its Muslim-led government closed down two publications last year for carrying controversial images of the Prophet Mohammed.

The president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism, A. Vaithilingam, said the Malaysian home affairs ministry should investigate Makkal Osai and take necessary action against those responsible for publishing the “shameful” picture.

A police report has also been filed over the issue, according to The Star.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had this to say on the issue:

“Do not do things which may offend the believers of other religions ... this is not good. This can make the Christians unhappy. Muslims too cannot tolerate such things.”

He did not mention whether the newspaper would be shut down in similar fashion to the newspapers who published cartoons of Mohammad.

Don't hold your breath.