SHAH ALAM, Jan 9 – Reciting “Allah” in the Selangor state anthem should not be an issue as it is not wrong or humiliating, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said today.
In a statement today, he said the usage is only an offence if used in a humiliating way or to proselytise Muslims.
“According to the gazette, the pronouncement of the word ‘Allah’ is a holy word dedicated to Islam and Muslims, and it should not be used or equated with other religions.
“Therefore, it is obligatory for Muslims to protect the word in the way they know best and thwart any element of humiliation or abuse,” he said in the statement, referring to the state ruler’s decree yesterday.
The Sultan’s decree followed a special Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) meeting convened on Sunday to discuss Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s Christmas message where he had urged the government to allow Christians to use ‘Allah’ in the Bahasa Malaysia version of the Bible.
“In Selangor, the word ‘Allah’ is enshrined in the Selangor State Enactment to ensure that there is no element of humiliation and abuse occurring and we abide by what has been gazetted,” he said.
The sultan’s decree was publicised through a statement from the Selangor Islamic Affairs Council (Mais).
Mais secretary Datuk Mohd Misri Idris said the Sultan had also instructed Mais and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) to take stern action against any Muslim or non-Muslim who questioned or belittled the edict issued and gazetted according to Selangor laws.
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