With due respect, the Sultan's decree is 'MISCONCEIVED': Karpal calls on PM Najib to defend the rights of Sikhs to their faith

The assertion by Sallehin Mukhyi, the Selangor State Executive Councilor, in charge of Islamic affairs that the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions [Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims] Enactment, 1998 prohibiting non-Muslims from the use of the word ‘Allah’ in Selangor includes Sikhs has very far-reaching implications and consequences.

The decree of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah that the word ‘Allah’ is exclusive to Muslims is misconceived.

In my view, the constitutionality of the prohibition, as in the case of Penang, is certainly open to challenge in a court of law having regard to the guarantee of freedom of religion to all persons in the country under Articles 3(1), 11(1) and 12(3) of the Federal Constitution.

Article 4(1) declares the Federal Constitution to be the supreme law of the land and declares any law passed by Parliament or the state assemblies in the country after Merdeka day, which is inconsistent with it, to be void to the extent of the inconsistency.

I call upon the Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, to forthwith clear the air to ensure Sikhs in the country are not denied their constitutional right to practise their religion in peace and harmony.

Karpal Singh is the DAP chairman