Ibrahim Ali: 'Allah' decision based on constitution

Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said the decision by the Court of Appeal to bar the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the Malay edition of Catholic weekly The Herald is based on the law and constitution.

He said the country does not prevent those of other faiths from going to churches or temples.

“We respect democracy and human rights but the decision is based on the law and the constitution," he said when met outside the Court of Appeal today.

"Nobody can stop them (non-Muslims) from going to their places of worship or celebrations. Compared to other countries, we are good people (in allowing this).

“The only thing is that we have to protect is the use of ‘Allah’ as it concerns our akidah (faith). If I do not protect the kalimah 'Allah', I will be called infidel. I cannot be called kafir (unbeliever) as I am a Muslim."

He also said that Christians should also find other terms to refer to ‘Allah’ in Bahasa Malaysia, such as 'Tuhan'.

When it was pointed out that the use of 'Allah' by Christians is accepted globally, Ibrahim said while that may be, he is talking specifically about Malaysia.

 Perkasa secretary-general Syed Hassan Syed Ali (left) expressed the hope that the Federal Court will uphold today's decision, should The Herald follow through with plans to appeal the decision.

He also hoped that everyone, particularly the Christian community, will accept today's decision.

“Praise be to God for today's decision and I hope that, if the matter is brought up to the Federal Court, the decision will remain," he added.