NECF Malaysia has protested against a Sabah fatwa that prohibits non-Muslims in the state to use certain Bahasa Malaysia words. The fatwa — a legal ruling issued by an Islamic counsel or mufti – was issued in June 2003 under Section 35 of the Sabah Administration of Islamic Law Act 1992. It forbids non-Muslims from using 32 words in any printed and audio-visual form.
In a recent letter to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, NECF said it was “unreasonable to prohibit any person of any religion from using words in our national language, especially in view of the Government’s effort to promote the use of Bahasa Malaysia.” The letter argued that some of the words, such as Allah, were already used before the birth of Islam. Restricting the usage of words – especially common ones such as Allah, Injil, and imam, distorts truth and contributes to breakdown in communication.
The prohibition “infringes on the rights of Christians in Sabah, as enshrined in Article 11 of the Federal Constitution. Article 11 includes the right to have access to, and to the use of, scriptures and printed material in Bahasa Malaysia, a language that Sabahans dearly hold to,” said the letter which was signed by NECF Secretary-General Rev Wong Kim Kong.
NECF also expressed concern on the State Government’s attempt to impose the fatwa on non-Muslims when fatwa should only apply to Muslims. “Any attempt to impose fatwa on non-Muslims is ultra vires the Federal Constitution… The said fatwa is not consonant with the Government’s assurance of respecting the rights of religious groups,” the letter stressed.
It urged the CM to adopt measures that promote national integration and religious harmony, and that do not alienate or polarise the rakyat.
Copies of the letter were sent to Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Badawi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (National unity and Integration) Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.
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