Press Statements & Articles

The Catholic Weekly, The Herald and the Case On the Use of the Word "Allah"

STATEMENT BY NECF MALAYSIA:
The Catholic Weekly, The Herald and the Case On the Use of the Word "Allah"

Wednesday, 6 January 2010

NECF Malaysia views with concern the recent events that transpired since the decision by the High Court on the use of the word "Allah" delivered on 31 December 2009. The diverse opinions coming from both sides of the divide regarding this issue is numerous and may become a source of confusion with the potential for contestation and over-reaction from the two sides.

In the midst of this, NECF Malaysia views the statement by Tan Sri Bernard Dompok on the "Allah" issue as sound and fair minded. His statement indeed expresses the sentiments and feelings of the Sabahan communities that the younger generations are more comfortable attending religious service in the national language. There is therefore no real justification why the use of the word "Allah" should be disallowed considering that the judgment was made after examining every historical aspects and constitutional considerations before arriving at the decision.

It should be noted that in both East and West Malaysia, there are many churches conducting their religious services in Bahasa Malaysia as well as in their own mother tongue. The use of the word "Allah" is in consonant with this their traditional usage all the while and should be continued in the interest of preserving national unity and harmony.

NECF Malaysia urge all parties to uphold the court's decision and not to turn the issue into a religious debate nor politicized as a racial/religious one. The High Court decision should be respected for its bold and rational judgment based on sound constitutional principles and due considerations.

We therefore call on all parties and groups to respect the sentiments and way of life of all Christians especially the Bumiputera Christians in East and West Malaysia and not deny non-Muslim religious groups further of their rights, interest and expectations as citizens of this country, our beloved Malaysia.



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