KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) wants Putrajaya to reconsider its move to appeal the high court’s decision to allow the use of the word “Allah” in non-Muslim publications.
Its secretary-general Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the term is not new, and the issue over its usage has already been resolved for Sabah and Sarawak over a decade ago.
In 2014, then minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Idris Jala had formulated a 10-point standard operating procedure for Christians in East Malaysian states, including the use of the word “Allah”.
Bangkuai, in maintaining that Christians in East Malaysia are free to use the word, said it is time for fellow Christians in West Malaysia to enjoy a similar privilege.
He said this in response to calls made to Putrajaya to appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruling.
He added that his party’s stand is similar to that of the Sabah government.
“We fully concur and identify with the position stated by them (Sabah government).”
He said it is also the “unspoken stand” of the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance. PBS is a component in GRS.
“PBS is aware that even before independence, before we became part of Malaysia, we have always enjoyed peaceful coexistence with all Sabahans, irrespective of religious beliefs.
“We will continue to preserve this religious unity and harmony. PBS, as a multiracial party, has always adhered to this belief and stand.”
Bangkuai said the issue need not be politicised, adding that PBS will not be influenced by tactics of the opposition in pressing the matter.
On March 10, the Kuala Lumpur High Court had ruled as unlawful and unconstitutional a government directive through a December 5, 1986 circular issued by the Home Ministry’s publications control division.
This directive had banned the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications.
Sabah Star – PBS’s ally in GRS – called on all parties to respect the court’s ruling.
Commenting on conflict created after the ruling, its deputy president Jalumin Bayogoh said he is astounded by the reactions from the public over the matter.
I would like to borrow the words of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who said in Islam, there is no prohibition for anyone to use the word ‘Allah’.
“What is even more tragic is that this discord has spread to Sabah and Sarawak, when they (East Malaysian states) should not have a problem at all.
“Even Sabah mufti Datuk Bungsu Azis Jaafar said the court’s decision should be respected.”
However, Bayogoh made no comment on Putrajaya’s appeal against the court ruling or its plan to introduce the Control and Restriction on the Propagation of Non-Muslim Religions Bill with heavier penalties.
He instead urged Sabahans to not politicise the issue.
“I would like to borrow the words of PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, who said in Islam, there is no prohibition for anyone to use the word ‘Allah’.”
Yesterday, Warisan questioned the silence of the ruling GRS government and parties on the Allah issue, and the Perikatan Nasional federal government’s plans to introduce the new shariah law.
GRS comprises PBS, Sabah Bersatu, Sabah Star, Sabah Umno, SAPP and PBRS, and is aligned with the PN federal government. – The Vibes, March 19, 2021
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