Anyone can appeal against High Court's decision on 'Allah' issue, says Takiyuddin

 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said even the government could appeal in the decision, but as with any court appeal, it would need to go through due process of the law. - NSTP/ SHARIFAH MAHSINAH ABDULLAH

KOTA BARU: Anyone may appeal against the High Court's decision on the usage of the word "Allah".

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said even the government could appeal in the decision, but as with any court appeal, it would need to go through due process of the law.

"The issue has been decided by the High Court and in principle, we must respect the decision.

"Anyone can appeal the decision as they have the right to do so if they feel dissatisfied by the decision.

"It is not that we do not respect the court, but as long as there is a chance that we can appeal, we can try. The government has also brought the case to the Court of Appeal," he said.

However, the Kota Baru member of parliament from Pas said the government would leave it to the court on the appeal.

"The best way for us is to leave it to the court. We must respect the decision made by the court as this is the legal system that we practice in the country."

He was speaking to reporters after presenting 100 tablets to poor students today who would sit for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court on March 10 had 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.

This follows Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin, sitting as High Court judge, who allowed a judicial review application by a Christian woman from Sarawak, Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill.

The Muafakat Nasional (MN) Consultative Committee meeting recently urged that the High Court's ruling on the use of the word "Allah" and the three other words needed to be referred to the Court of Appeal.

MN in a statement said the coalition views the High Court's decision in the matter seriously.

However, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) recently called on the federal government to reconsider its move to appeal the decision. - NST