Explain rationale behind withdrawal of 'Allah' appeal, PKR MP tells govt

The government has been urged to explain the decision to withdraw an appeal against a landmark ruling which allowed Jill Ireland - a non-Muslim Sarawakian - to use the word "Allah".

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim (above) said the clarification is crucial to alleviate the people's anxiety on the matter.

"Why did the federal government and the Home Ministry withdraw the case at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya?

"Why was the case not allowed to be decided by the Court of Appeal?" the PKR lawmaker asked in a statement today.

The outspoken MP noted that the case originated at the High Court and could have been escalated to the Federal Court.

Hassan was referring to Putrajaya's decision to withdraw an appeal the appeal via a notice of discontinuance, filed at the appellate court on April 18.

The move has courted backlash from local groups and figures, with the Malaysian Alliance of Civil Society Organisations (Macsa) calling it a “huge surprise and disappointment”.

On March 10, 2021, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur 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.

The government's appeal was against this verdict.

Alleviate public's anxiety

Hassan noted that the appeal was filed by the previous government on March 12, 2021, and asked for the rationale for the withdrawal of the appeal by the current administration.

"Was the decision to withdraw the appeal made with good intentions, and as per the law?

"Aren't matters pertaining to Islam under the jurisdiction of the Conference of Malay Rulers, and in this case, were the rulers consulted and their consents received before the appeal was withdrawn?" asked Hassan further.

He then urged Home Minister Saifuddion Nasution Ismail and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to explain the matter in order to alleviate the public's anxiety on the matter.

Johor Umno Youth chief Nor Azleen Ambros voiced similar concerns, citing the lack of justification by the Home Ministry, as well as the Attorney-General's Chambers on the withdrawal.

"The appeal process should have been allowed to continue to ensure the mistakes that might have been made by the High Court in its judgment previously to be rectified at the Court of Appeal.

"The withdrawal of the appeal also sets a bad precedent, as it touches on a sensitive issue that concerns Islam. The act of withdrawing the appeal makes it seem like the government is not serious about defending Islam's position as enshrined in the Federal Constitution," Nor Azleen said in a separate statement.

He further claimed that by withdrawing the appeal, the government has deprived all the parties involved in the suit the chance to gain justice.

"Who will be held responsible if the issue prolongs and the extremists take advantage of it?

"The government must be accountable for whatever follows this withdrawal," he said, further urging the Home Ministry and the AGC to provide a detailed explanation on the matter. - Mkini