After 'Allah' ban, Isma warns of 'opportunist' evangelists

Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) has warned Sabahans and Sarawakians of certain evangelist groups out to sour relations with penisula Malaysia by stirring up discontent in the two states following the Court of Appeal decision banning the use of 'Allah' by Christians.

Isma president Abdullah Zaik Abd Rahman (left) urged  bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak to defend unity and not to be taken in by certain groups, particularly Christian evangelists, who he said were taking the opportunity to sour East-West relations.

"We question whether these groups uphold the social contract as enshrined in the federal constitution. Or, do they have other agendas that go beyond the constitution?" Abdullah Zaik asked.

Isma had previously declared that anybody who did not agree with the ban on the use of 'Allah by Christians could leave Malaysia.

However, certain Sabahans and Sarawakians have taken this to mean secession.

Abdullah Zaik denied supporting the secession of Sabah and Sarawak from Malaysia and instead blamed certain evangelist groups for making the suggestion.

"I did not touch on the peninsula and Sabah-Sarawak relations in my previous statement. I made no mention of Sabah and Sarawak separating from peninsula," he said.

Christians leaders in Sabah and Sarawak, where 'Allah' has been used for God for generations, have accused the federal government of breaking the Malaysia agreement by intervening in the state's religious affairs.

Following this, the federal government announced that the word 'Allah' could still be used by Christians in Sabah and Sarawak.

However, critics have questioned whether the government can implement two sets of laws, one for Sabah and Sarawak and another for peninsula Malaysia, following the court decision that was sought by the government itself.