Politicians have been urged not to capitalise on the issue of using the word “Allah” in a non-Muslim context as a political weapon to create disharmony within the society.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reminded political leaders not to ignore the facts regarding the issue in their attempts to make “political gains” out of it.
When asked whether this matter would be played up in the upcoming state elections, Saifuddin declined to comment further.
“I don’t want to comment. My job is to provide the facts on this case. I urge all politicians to have more responsibility when it comes to this issue (as) it is an emotive issue; they all know this.
“But even though they want to make political gains, don’t hide the facts. The court has never brought up the question of religion,” Saifuddin (above) said to reporters after attending the excellent service award ceremony and retirement of members of the National Registration Department in Putrajaya today.
He added that in this issue involving a Melanau Christian woman, the court’s decision did not include religious aspects.
“It is merely an aspect of incongruity regarding the contradiction of the cabinet's decision with the administrative directives, that’s all,” he said.
Non-Muslim context
The cabinet recently received consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present proposals to strengthen the enforcement of policies regarding the use of the word “Allah” to the Conference of Rulers.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a statement today that it also involves suggestions on how to strengthen harmony and unity among the races and religions in Malaysia.
The cabinet meeting yesterday discussed the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) decision to withdraw their appeal against the court’s decision in the Jill Ireland case regarding the use of the word “Allah” in non-Muslim context.
Anwar said the cabinet is aware that the AGC’s decision to withdraw their appeal only revolved around administrative matters and does not change the Federal Court ruling from 2014.
On March 10, 2021, the Kuala Lumpur High Court allowed a judicial review by Ireland, a Melanau Christian, who sought a declaration that she has the right to use the word “Allah” for religious and educational purposes.
On May 15, the Home Ministry and the Malaysian government withdrew their appeal against the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court which ruled that Christians can use the word “Allah” and three other Arabic words in the publication of their religious materials for educational purposes.
The notice of termination of the judicial review appeal was filed by the AGC at the Court of Appeal registrar’s office on April 18.
Meanwhile, when asked about who will formulate the policies for the use of the word “Allah”, Saifuddin said the matter will be decided by the cabinet later. - Mkini
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