DAP: So how are Christians to pray in native language?

Following the controversial 'Allah' decision at the Court of Appeal, DAP Kampung Tunku assemblyperson Lau Weng San asked how Christians can pray in their native language while in Peninsula Malaysia.

He added that non-Muslim bumiputeras from East Malaysia would face the same problem as well if they wish to pray in Malay while in the peninsula.

In a statement yesterday, he said this is because of the cabinet's position that the court ruling's implications are limited to the appellant The Heraldand has no impact on other publications such as the Malay-language bible, the Al-Kitab.

"In short, the BN government allows the word ‘Allah' to be used in non-Malay, non-Muslim Bumiputera worship in the Malay-language but forbids this in the peninsula... Is this not a violation of universal fundamental rights?" he said.

He added that while outsiders view this as a sign that Umno and its followers are out of ideas, Umno actually likes the situation because it allows far right groups such as Perkasa to thrive.

As long as such groups exist to continue Umno's racial agenda, he said, the party won't need to "get its hands dirty" by inciting Malays and Muslims or pulling stunts such as kissing the keris, except perhaps when party elections are close.

"All they need to do is to ensure these fanatical NGOs like Perkasa to continue to exist and expand.

"That is why Perkasa still exists and is active to this day, despite the people rejecting their narrow politics at the ballot box during the 13th general election where their leaders such as Ibrahim Ali (left) and Zulkifli Noordin were resoundingly defeated," he said.

However, Lau urged Malaysians not migrate because of the situation, saying that this is the coward's way out and leaves the problem unresolved.

Instead, he said Malaysians should embrace moderation and step up organising community activities together such as holding dialogues between religious leaders of different faiths.

This cooperation should not be built by political and community leaders alone but also by the grassroots, he said.

"This spirit of ‘Middle Malaysia' needs to be put forward more actively to face the despicable attempt to divide Malaysia's multi-ethnic and multi-religious unity," he said.