KUALA LUMPUR – Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah expressed deep concerns over the issue of the use of the word “Allah”, which he feared would become a prolonged polemic and could affect national unity if not resolved immediately.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said this, considering the polemic of the use of the word “Allah” is not a debate about terminology and linguistics, but is related to the Muslim community’s faith.
The king said that any confusion regarding the matter will only invite disaster.
“My government must harmonise the current situation and place the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the right context by taking into account national security, the ummah’s benefit, and my position and the position of other Malay rulers as heads of Islam,” said His Majesty.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong said this when gracing the investiture ceremony of federal awards and honours held in conjunction with his official birthday celebration at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, today.
Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
His Majesty said that any polemic related to religion, if not dealt with immediately, will only fan the fire of enmity between races.
Accordingly, Al-Sultan Abdullah said that in dealing with such a sensitive issue, all parties should take a wise and orderly approach and be imbued with a high tolerance spirit.
The king also said that this is in line with the first principle of the Rukun Negara, which is belief in God.
This principle, Al-Sultan noted, emphasises that the concept of religion is very important in the lives of the Malaysian community and that it should not be used as a basis for disputes and arguments.
Al-Sultan Abdullah added that the sanctity of Islam has been preserved for a long time in the formation of independent Malaysia, and that Islam is also accorded a special status as the federation’s religion, as stated in Article 3 of the federal constitution.
“Islam is accorded a special status in the federal constitution, and this was achieved through understanding and agreement by all parties when the country gained independence,” he said. – Bernama, June 5, 2023
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