The word 'Allah' can be used by Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians in their worship, including in the Malay-language bible al-Kitab, the government has said.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup was reported by Sin Chew Daily as saying that this was decided by the cabinet in their meeting yesterday.
He said the cabinet decided to fall back on the 10-point solution, which allows for the importation into and printing of Bibles of any language in Malaysia, including al-Kitab which uses the word ‘Allah'.
"The cabinet has discussed the Court of Appeal decision because this issue has created much dissatisfaction and worry among Sabah and Sarawak Christians."They are worried if the Malay-language Bible that uses the word 'Allah' will be banned. Therefore the cabinet feels there is a need to clarify," he was quoted by Sin Chew as saying.
He added that the cabinet will also follow the case closely, due to the level of concern it has raised among the public.
Among others, the 10-point solution also states that there is no prohibition on Christians from carrying Bibles of any language from Sabah and Sarawak into the peninsula.
However, Bahasa Malaysia or Bahasa Indonesia Bibles brought into or printed in the peninsula must have the words 'Christian Publication' and a cross printed on its front cover.
The Court of Appeal on Monday overturned a High Court decision which allowed Catholic publication The Herald to use the word 'Allah' in its Malay-language edition.
The High Court decision in Dec 31, 2009 led to scattered attacksagainst Christian and Sikh places of worship.
The Herald is appealing the Court of Appeal decision at the Federal Court.
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