KOTA KINABALU – Lauding the high court’s decision yesterday on the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims, the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) has called on all parties to view the judgment as one based purely on legal merits.
The Sabah political outfit cautioned everyone to not be taken in by the politicisation of the ruling.
In a joint statement today, Upko president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, deputy president Donald Mojuntin and vice-president Ewon Benedick said the issue is of great concern to Malaysians, and has caused controversies and debates over the years.
“Sadly, this issue has been politicised by certain parties as touching on the sensitivities and rights of (a) certain race and religion, when in fact, it is more of a legal and constitutional issue.”
They expressed hope that Muafakat Nasional’s demand for Putrajaya to appeal the court decision is based on legal grounds, and not aimed at scoring political points.
“What is more disconcerting is the fact that Umno and PAS (partners under the MN banner) are part of the federal government.”
They welcomed the verdict, which quashes the government’s 1986 directive banning the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications.
Sabahans aspire for freedom of religion to be protected, as enshrined in the Keningau Oath Stone, which commemorates the terms on which Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaysia in 1963, they added.
“The court has finally recognised this important aspiration.”
The trio said the question of whether the Attorney-General’s Chambers, under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department, is deciding whether to appeal the ruling based on the legal merits and grounds of judgment arises.
“We hope that cool heads and sound decisions will prevail in respecting the high court’s decision. Upko has always believed in protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen of this country, regardless of race and religion.”
They said the party believes that respect, tolerance and compassion are the bedrock of Malaysian society, which will progress further if the said values are upheld.
“Upko leaders and members throughout the country join other believers of Allah in praying for continuous harmony and peace in this land of ours.”
There are 853,726 Christians among Sabah’s population of nearly four million. – The Vibes, March 11, 2021
