'We will worship this 'Allah' till Kingdom come'

No doubting that the Court of Appeal's decision to prevent The Herald from using ‘Allah' in its Malay publication as a reference to God, would ruffle Christians - especially in East Malaysia - and non-Muslim groups.

In the aftermath of the decision, an East Malaysian archbishop has said that Christians in Sabah and Sarawak will worship this "Allah" and even challengingly asked the authorities- "what are you going to do about it?"

Gerakan became the first BN component party to come out with a statement on this matter- insisting that the opinions of all BN component parties should have been sought before the government took a stand on such matters.

Here is what various religious leaders and also politicians had had to say about the decision today:

Archbishop Bolly Lapok, Chairman of the Association of Churches, Sarawak:

For an outsider (the judge) to say the use of word Allah is not integral is utterly irresponsible and grossly demeaning. 

The church does not need an apologist from outside to decide what is integral or not integral to our faith.

It (the decision) is repugnant to the universal common sense.

In the meantime, Christians in Sabah and Sarawak will continue to reverently worship this 'Allah' till Kingdom come, and we are asking the government: "What are you going to do about it?"

Sarawak Ministers' Fellowship:

The Christian Community at large in Sarawak is suddenly returned to a situation where every Bumiputera Christian is under potential threat of being deemed a law breaker or facing arrest. 

Their offence would be committed by merely addressing God in their own language, a practice they have adhered to for hundreds of years.

The court decision also breached universally subscribed jurisprudential principles.

(We) appeal to all Christians to remain calm and not to resort to rash statements or acts in reaction to the court decision."

A Vaithilingam, former president, Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS):

The Muslims shouldn't fear the Non-Muslims. If Christians use the word Allah, will that impress Muslims to convert to Christianity?

Islam is well protected by the constitution. Non-Muslims are not allowed to preach to Muslims, but Muslims can.

Who is going to read The Herald? Only Christians. Who is going to go to the churches? Only Christians. Are the Muslims going to come to the church?

I am very disappointed with the decision which did not consider that non-Muslim bumiputeras have used this word for generations and there is a reasonable population of them.

I hope the Federal Court will give due consideration to the fact that non-Muslims have used this word (Allah) for generations.

Tan Keng Liang, Kedah Gerakan Youth Chief:

It's a fact that Christians, in particular those in East Malaysia had been using the word "Allah" for a very long time.

Any decision by the government should take this into consideration.

If this issue continues without an amicable solution, it may create friction between the Christian and Muslim community in our country.

The government should always consult with all BN's 13 components before making any material decisions. 

The views of all communities in Malaysia must be taken into account before being endorsed as a national policy.

[More to follow]