PN submits private member’s bill over ‘Allah’ issue

 

The opposition bloc wants the Dewan Rakyat to discuss the issue of the word ‘Allah’ when it reconvenes next week. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional (PN) wants the Dewan Rakyat to discuss the “Allah” issue when it reconvenes next week, with a private member’s bill already submitted for this purpose.

Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin said Jasin MP Zulkifli Ismail submitted the motion, which wants the interpretation of the word to be discussed by the Dewan Rakyat, Sinar Harian reported.

Hamzah said bringing the issue to Parliament was one way for the issue to be resolved.

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“It’s up to the government whether they want to (allow the motion to be tabled) or not. I also want to see what the government has to say (about the motion) ,” he was quoted as saying.

The Dewan Rakyat’s second meeting of the year will end on June 15.

In March 2021, the High Court, in a landmark decision, ruled that Sarawakian Jill Ireland can use the word “Allah” for the purpose of religious education in Malay and her native Melanau language.

Then High Court judge Nor Bee Ariffin said a Dec 5, 1986 home ministry directive to prohibit the use of the words “Allah”, “Baitullah”, “Solat” and “Kaabah” by non-Muslims was illegal.

The government decided to abandon its appeal against the High Court ruling on April 18.

On May 17, Anwar was reported to have said that the Cabinet will submit its recommendations on the “Allah” issue to the Conference of Rulers. - FMT