MIRI – The Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on the use of “Allah” and three other Arabic words for the purpose of religious education should be respected and accepted by all concerned parties, said several Sarawakians.
One of them, social activist Peter Kallang, told The Vibes that there is no need for others to drag out the issue by bringing it to the Court of Appeal and Federal Court.
“There is a need to respect and accept this decision, and not to prolong it or turn it into another controversy.”
Baram Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu division chief Dennis Ngau welcomed the ruling, saying the use of the word “Allah” is prevalent in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sarawakians have never raised any dispute over the matter.”
Yesterday, high court judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin, reading her judgment, said the Home Ministry’s directive on December 5, 1986 prohibiting the use of the words “Allah”, “Baitullah”, “solat” and “Kaabah” by non-Muslims is illegal and unconstitutional.
She also ruled that the directive was wrongly issued, as it went beyond the aim of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.
Since the decision, Umno, PAS and Bersatu have called on the government to appeal against the ruling. – The Vibes, March 11, 2021
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