'Allah' issue: Jakim awaits Conference of Rulers' decision

 

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and other Islamic religious agencies will take appropriate action on use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims after getting the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the outcome of discussions on the issue between muftis of all states and legal experts held last Tuesday has been submitted to the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal.

“InshaAllah, we will announce the appropriate action to be taken soon,” he told reporters after attending a gathering of agencies under his ministry at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening.

Present were Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuk Shaary and the heads of agencies under the ministry.

Zulkifli was previously reported to have said that a meeting would be held with muftis from throughout the country and law experts to finalise a resolution on the issue of the use of the word “Allah”.

On March 10, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur ruled that Christians nationwide can use the word “Allah” and three other Arabic words in their religious publications for educational purposes. The three other words are Baitullah, Kaabah and solat.

However, the Home Ministry and the Malaysian government filed an appeal against this High Court decision at the High Court Registry on March 15.

- Bernama