Home Ministry calls up Nanyang Chief Editor on use of word Allah

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Home Ministry today called up the Chief Editor of Nanyang Siangpau concerning the use of the word 'Allah' in an article published by the daily.

Deputy Secretary-General (Security) of the ministry Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohd Radzi said the article carried the word 'Allah' in the form of a logo in the article entitled "Hudud Law Becomes Controversial Issue" on page A8 on Dec 27, 2011 and the article "Hudud Law Raises Concern for Non-Muslims" on page A8 on Dec 28, 2011.

"The showing of the word is clearly against Section 7 (1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 which can appall the people and jeopardise public peace," he said in a statement, here tonight.

He said the ministry also issued a show-cause letter to Nanyang Siangpau following the publication of the word which could cause tension and confuse the Malaysian public.

"KDN (Home Ministry) will take stern action on any press which commits this offence in future based on the provision in the act," he said.

-Bernama