The euphoria that good sense and sanity have finally prevailed among those in government whose decisions could adversely impact on inter-religious and inter-racial relations as to aggravate religious polarization in a plural society like Malaysia lasted just four days.
On New Year’s eve on Monday, 31st December 2007, Malaysians thought they saw a silver lining after a whole year of gloomy “annus horribilis” when they learnt that Herald, the Catholic weekly, had been allowed to continue printing its Bahasa Malaysia section with no restrictions on the use of the word Allah for God.
A happy editor of the 13-year-old Herald, Father Lawrence Andrew, said that a representative from the Internal Security Ministry delivered a letter containing the permit to print the paper, dated Dec. 28, by hand at 10 am on a Sunday (Dec. 30) – which was a great and commendable gesture of goodwill.
The letter placed no restrictions whatsoever and included the permit for all the languages, including the Bahasa Malaysia segment, causing Father Lawrence to give effusive thanks to the government and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok for his assistance.
Bernard described the Herald permit as “good news” and “a wonderful Christmas present” by the government to the Christian community.
This morning, the euphoria that good sense and sanity have finally prevailed among the decision-makers in government on why it is imperative to promote inter-religious goodwill and harmony evaporated after just four days when Malaysians woke up to read headlines like “Herald can’t use ‘Allah’ in its publications” (Star) and “Cabinet: ‘Allah’ for Muslims only” (The Sun).
In a statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr. Abdullah Mohd Zin said the Cabinet has decided that restrictions on the use of the world “Allah” still stand and Catholic weekly Herald therefore cannot use it although its printing licence has just been renewed.
Abdullah said the apart from Allah, the use of the words Solat, Kaabah and Baitullah was also prohibited in the publications of religions other than Islam as per the decision of the cabinet on July 30, 2002, which has been enforced since Dec. 5, 1986.
This is a half step backward followed by quick one step forward.
What is the use of appointing Bernard Dompok as the Minister in charge of Christian affairs if the legitimate hopes and concerns of the Christian community are not accorded the weight and respect they deserve – just as what is the use of a Christmas present which has only a four-day lifespan for its “wonder” effects?
However, it is not only the Christian community who are adversely affected by the ban of the use of the word “Allah” as it also affects the Sikh community who use the words Allah and Rahim extensively to refer to God, as well the Arabic terms “iman” and “ibadat” for faith and worship.
In claiming that the Cabinet has decided that restrictions on the use of the word “Allah” still stand, reaffirming the Cabinet decisions of July 30, 2002 and Dec. 5, 1986, I call on Abdullah to state:
1. When was the last Cabinet decision on the matter and who were the Cabinet Ministers who attended and voted for it; and why the non-Muslim Cabinet Ministers did not object.
2. Who were the Ministers who took part in the Cabinet decision on July 30, 2002 to ban the use of “Allah” for non-Islamic religions; and non-Muslim Cabinet Ministers who supported this decision at the time should step forward to explain their action.
3. Who were the Ministers who took part in the original Cabinet decision of Dec. 5, 1986 and whether there was full, informed and intelligent discussion of the subject before the decision was taken; and
4. Whether all the non-Islamic Cabinet Ministers at each of these Cabinet meetings had been given an opportunity to consult the non-Islamic religions so that the Cabinet decision is the result of the considered views and representations from all religious faiths, and not just of a handful of people from one religion?
If the Cabinet had failed to seek the widest consultation before reaching a decision which tantamounts to the unconstitutional deprivation of the right to religious freedom guaranteed to all Malaysians, the Cabinet should put on hold its decision to ban the use of the word “Allah” for non-Islamic religions and commission a full and extensive consultation process on the issue involving all religious leaders and faiths in the country.
#1 by smeagroo on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:04 pm
BN is GOD in Malaysia.
#2 by smeagroo on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:04 pm
ooops, it shld read UMNO as other components are useless.
#3 by Loh on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:10 pm
Constitutional law only restricts the propagation of religion other than Islam to Malays and Muslims. So the law places restriction on the propagation of religion other than Islam. And the law places no restriction on the propagation of Islam.
#4 by Jong on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:18 pm
Undergrad2,
Perhaps I did not make myself clear. I was responding to Jamesy’s comment and I do not agree on that particular issue, that the PM lied in the ‘reversal of decision’. I believe he just lost control of his monkeys and he now looks real idiot.
#5 by Jong on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:29 pm
OK I will reword my response to undergrad2, my comment is now awaiting moderation!
Perhaps I did not make myself clear. What I meant was I did not agree with Jamesy on that particular issue, that the PM lied in the ‘reversal of decision’.
I believe he had lost control of his m_keys!
#6 by oknyua on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:33 pm
Just a thought, YB Lim. Maybe you can use this argument too.
When Christian say: “Mari kita menyembah Allah kita,” why is that Christians still flock to the church and not to a Masjid?
For the Muslim, it is feared that the word “Allah” would bring (mislead) them to a Church. If you are a Muslim, won’t you feel insulted?
#7 by naked taliban on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:38 pm
The world is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil ; but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.
`ALBERT EINSTEIN’
Next election vote this arrogant BN gomen OUT !!
#8 by drybones on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:42 pm
Agreed with llb_gan that the word spelt backwards – HALLA sounds good, but sure gomen will banned HALLA cos it’s also sound like HALAL.
So control/limit usage of word ALLAH only at certain church occasion and better still, issue AP and gomen can get $$$,,.. ; and churches without AP caught using the word orally or in written form will be fined $$$..
#9 by k1980 on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:43 pm
Once the Christians decide to have a rally in Putrajaya, Dollah will at once link them to the IRA, ETA, Baader Meinhof Gang, Shining Path, Tupac Amaru, you-name-it-Christian-terror groups as happened to Hindraf and the LTTE
#10 by Yong Chee keong on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:57 pm
As the word Allah existed long before Islam came into this world, Christians have been using it before Muslims. Perhaps it is only fair then that Muslims (in Malaysia only) find a replacement for this word which they now find controversial.
#11 by ALtPJK on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 10:58 pm
Undergrad2, allow me to add on to your post of 21: 40.58.
The use of the word ‘Allah’ by other faiths is a threat to Islam is only seen in the eyes of those who feel insecure about their profession of the religion. Muslims in other parts of the world have, for history knows how long, no qualms about such use. Has the freedom of those Muslim to practise Islam ever diminish? Has the spread of Islam among them been stunted by such use?
The use of the word ‘Allah’ by other faiths is a threat to Islam is only seen in the eyes of those who do not respect and uphold the ‘Rule of Law’. After all Article 11(4) of the Constitution is sufficient to protect Muslims from proselytisation. Has the previous use of the word ‘Allah’ by people in Malaysia professing other faith (as cited by many posters in this and other threads) ever threatened the practice or the spread of Islam in Malaysia?
The use of the word ‘Allah’ by other faiths is a threat to Islam only because in the crucial remaining couple of weeks before GE there has to be at least one galvanising sentiment to stir up the Malays, supposedly all of whom are Muslims, to vote for BN which is now threatened of an erosion of previously guaranteed monopoly of their votes.
#12 by undergrad2 on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:11 pm
“Constitutional law only restricts the propagation of religion other than Islam to Malays and Muslims. So the law places restriction on the propagation of religion other than Islam. And the law places no restriction on the propagation of Islam.” Loh
No. A pie is still a pie even though it has a piece missing. Freedom of religion is guaranteed under our Constitution subject to the proviso under Clause (4) of the said Article 11.
Art. 11 (1) reads “Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to Clause (4), to propagate it.”
#13 by Cinapek on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:17 pm
Clearly AAB has finally decided a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. After the latest Chua scandal he has resigned himself to the fact he will lose a lot of the non Malay votes. At the same time he is facing a lot of Muslim anger and pressure on why he should back down to the Christian demands. Since he cannot afford to lose the Malay votes, and since the Christian votes are too small anyway so he must have decided he can afford to sacrifice them to appease Malay anger. Hence the flip flop turnaround after just 4 days. His 4th floor advisers must have told him to bite the bullet now instead of meeting the Christian demands only to face another Mazu demand later. Now that he has taken the plunge, he can tell Tan Sri Chong to go ahead and do his worst.
And the Cabinet? Well, apart from the fact they are a bunch of eunuchs, AAB must have pointed out to them that the Non UMNO BN members have already lost a lot of their ethnic support and so will need to depend on Malay support to win. The spectre of mass defeat and annihilation is more than enough to frighten the eunuchs into meek compliance.
#14 by undergrad2 on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:22 pm
ALtPJK,
Yes, it is all about the politicization of Islam “the religion of the federation under Art. 3 of our Constitution.
UMNO leaders like role playing and in this case they are falling over each other in trying to project their public image as defender of Malay rights among others, as Muslims and of the constitutional status of Islam. It is not even old wine in a new bottle.
#15 by undergrad2 on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:27 pm
UMNO would like Malays to feel that their religion is under threat. Who are they fooling but fools?
#16 by Cinapek on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:27 pm
This whole issue of the word Allah has wider implications that just the monopoly demanded by the ruling Islamic Govt of Malaysia.
Today, if the Govt. insist on demanding what even the whole world (literally) see as absurd, what is there to stop them from encroaching on other religiously sensitive matters? Herein lies the danger. The message sent to the Little Napoleons by this singular dumb act is that it is carte blanche to trample on the religious rights of the non Muslims. This could lead to dangerous consequences as it is bound to escalate.
#17 by waterfrontcoolie on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:27 pm
It is obvious that when the leadership has nothing to offer, they will find the most sensitive and unexplainable topic to galvanize the majority to protect their ill-gotten interests. In a ‘closet society’ just as during the Spanish Inquisition, this was the practice then. Hence all the comments we pen will be too late to make any change. The only hope is left to the rational majority of the Malay society to make the required changes. Another 50 years down the same road, I sincerely wander what would become of the malaysian Malays in the more globalized environment. Just look at China, they have already achieved a per capital of us$2,700, just 20 years after Deng decided to practise the market society! And they have projected to hit us$6,000 before 2020!!
#18 by ALtPJK on Friday, 4 January 2008 - 11:36 pm
Well, I don’t envy the position of editor of Herald, Father Lawrence Andrew. Imagine him gladly announcing to his congregation, only to disappoint them hardly a week later. “Errhhh…Houston we’ve got a praab..lem. We’re back to square one”.
Anyway, it’s already way past my bedtime. Enough of this ‘Allah’ merry-go-round talk for the time being. I’ll save the opportunity to say ‘Allah’ this Sunday when I go to church.
#19 by dawsheng on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 12:04 am
“As the word Allah existed long before Islam came into this world, Christians have been using it before Muslims. Perhaps it is only fair then that Muslims (in Malaysia only) find a replacement for this word which they now find controversial.” Yong Chee keong
“Alamak” sounds nice!
#20 by iyamwhoiyam on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 12:08 am
One of our parish priest has been a strong supporter of the usage of the words “Allah” and when it comes to prayers, he MUST insist on a LOUDER proclamation of the word “Allah”, it sickens me sometimes that religion is mingled into some political agenda, like how some overemotional parish priests who want to tell the whole congregation about injustice and other knick knacks….the church is a place of prayers, solemnity, reflection and solitude, not a place to create or harness on people’s sentiments to rise against an attack. I need not elaborate on the situation in phillipines….one religion ( Christianity ) also they fight till cows come home….we’re far better off here
I believe, Allah or otherwise, we will survive, our prayers will be answered and when judgement day comes ( kiamat in our friendlier malay language), there will be no separation between the “allah” gang and the Tuhan gang. all good men will go up, all bad men go down, a theory even a 4 year old can understand.
So really, while i acknowledge the wider implication, i do not see the fuss about the use of the 5 letter word, HALLA sounds cool..what say You father lawrence??…..
besides, singing malay hyms during mass using the Tuhan word always rhymes and sounds better….
the christians, wherever we are, will always be persecuted, and in our country, subtle persecution would be the apt word to use. And throughout the history of the christian faith, despite the wars, political agendas ( yeah even back then ), praying in the catacombs, etc, we have survived with one universe believe. It was read, sung, praised in latin, greek, roman, italian, arabic, and so many more languages but we stood by ONE believe.
SO, moral of story is, if that’s the way those jokers want the exclusive word of Allah, let them have it, its like a kid who wants his marbles back, a sore loser and sore losers never go far.
We will sing our hearts out in English, tamil, and chinese, and yeah even in malay and tagalog ( i can string some decent filipinas myself) and praise the one true God regardless if he/she was called ALLAH or otherwise.
#21 by sheriff singh on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 12:09 am
Christmas is over. Goodwill is over. Its back to realities.
This is the Cabinet having Big Ears but not listening. Eunuchs “fighting” for their communities. BN parties “resolving” matters behind closed doors using Hadhari principles.
And call it “Cemerlang, Terbilang, Gemilang”.
#22 by peterlsc on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 12:10 am
who voted these morons into office!!!!!
anyway see who’s playing the racial card? who’s else? the ruling politikus la!!
#23 by bystander on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 12:13 am
All said and done, the fact of the matter is that the majority of malaysian muslims are insecure, weak and have no confidence in their faith and religion. if their faith in their religion is strong, why do they need to ban the use of allah by others? why do they need to ban the conversion of muslims into other faith? Why do they allow non-muslims to convert to muslims but not vice versa? What are they afraid of? Why the double standards? Or are muslims so insecure or are they so irrational when it comes to religion?
#24 by ahpiow on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 1:44 am
I am puzzled by the so many political issues that are cropping up in recent months affecting the minority groups in the country (meaning the Chinese, the Indians, the Christians, the east Malaysians). Why are all these matters suddenly coming up the forefront in Malaysian politics just before the GE? The head honchos in UMNO must realise that these issues are detrimental to the BN coalition in the coming GE as most non-mooslims who are internet-savvy (not the news media readers) will vote for the opposition. Is this what the coalition wants to happen? Obviously not! Then why is AAB not putting a hold on all this publicities? Interesting situation.
Think outside the box! AAB has no control over all this! The 4th Floor is in control! If the GE shows major losses in non-mooslim majority areas and possibly also in some mooslim majority areas (and hopefully just enough to deny BN the 2/3 majority), then heads will roll – whose heads? Make your guesses – maybe 2-6 of the top heads in UMNO?
This coming GE will be a very interesting watch! Some kind of mini- revolution in UMNO I think!
Happy New year to Kit and all! This will be a new beginning for all Malaysians.
#25 by hbk2 on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 1:55 am
Are they trying to imply that the Indonesian Muslims are more capable of staying focused on their faith in a sense that they do not fall into a confused state of mind eventhough Indonesian Christians use the name “Allah” for God?
#26 by gofortruth on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 2:20 am
“As the word Allah existed long before Islam came into this world, Christians have been using it before Muslims. Perhaps it is only fair then that Muslims (in Malaysia only) find a replacement for this word which they now find controversial.†Yong Chee keong
————-
The whole world knows that Islam has conviniently taken the word ‘Allah’ from other religions when it began its debut in the 6th century AD to mean God. No body is confused accept the ruling BN gomen of Malaysia. Yes I agree with Yong that BN gomen should give the god of muslims a suitable unique name & patent right it, that way, no Malaysian sons will be confused if they step out of the country and find others using the name ALLAH left right & center to mean God.
Cheap trick to win over Malay votes lah. I don’t think our Malay friends are easily fooled this time around. Time to vote in the Barisan Alternative, if there is one?
#27 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 6:14 am
Shall we leave God. by whatever name you know Him, alone?? He is busy in places like Iraq and Afghanistan making His statement.
#28 by ChinNA on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 6:23 am
Let me say this as a Christian.
This happened with God’s permission.
#29 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 7:36 am
It is unfair to the rest of us who do not have a hotline so we could be in direct communication with God. Are you sure you’re hearing God’s voices?? Or someone else’s?
Which God? Allah? Yaweh? Goddess Lakshmi or Money Goddess Anka
http://www.money-goddess.com/
#30 by dawsheng on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 7:41 am
“This happened with God’s permission.” ChinNa
That’s why God is great?
#31 by Bigjoe on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 9:12 am
Is there really a way to rule that certain words are only for Muslims in practical terms? You can rule that certain words cannot be used in the press, in media etc. but in practical use?
What would happen if I now go around in social gathering and use the words in speech? What if I lead a group of people in prayer that uses the word? What if I distribute a DVD with someone saying the word – who is guilty, the ones who make the DVD, the distributor or the one talking?
You see what I mean when I say BN does not learn from main lesson of hypocrisy of Dr. Chua’s incident? You always run into trouble sooner or later. Who are they kidding? This is about pandering to the right-wing Muslim and not the merit of arguments. Dr. Chua’s stubborn refusal to admit his personal flaw is a good indication of how most BNers feel about their hypocrisy – they will not change on their own and have to be forced upon them.
#32 by Evenmind on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 9:47 am
The morons are so d that even confusing confusious would lost for words if he was alive today, What else can you refer them to be???Imberciles
#33 by The_Dude on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 10:12 am
What’s next? Ban the use of the word “Tuhan”? Ban the use of the cross? If this is not oppression, I don’t know what else is. What rubbish….
#34 by greenacre on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 10:58 am
Well I was thinking of making a resolution for 2008. Yet the time and thought never came till now. Well as a Johorean I can’t sing the state anthem with the word ‘Allah’ anymore.
Hindu god Murugan is going to rescue me and henceforth the anthem shall begin…
Murugan peliharakan sultan
anugerakan segala hormat
sihat dan ria kekal dan makmur.
and finally
Murugan selamatkan sultan.
YB Lim could you kindly call on the Johor government to act and allow hindus to sing with Hindu god.
#35 by grace on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 11:06 am
Similarly the state anthem of Kedah which starts with the line: Allah selamat…..
How are the non-Muslims going to sing? Would they be charged under ISA?
#36 by greenacre on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 11:14 am
Dear Undergrad you mentioned this ‘Freedom of religion is guaranteed under our Constitution subject to the proviso under Clause (4) of the said Article 11.’
I would comment on this for your kind knowledge as well as others who share this blog. Article 4 of the Federal constitution states that this ‘this constitution is the supreme law of the federation and….(note this) any law passed after merdeka day which is inconsistent with this constitution shall to the extend of the inconsistency be void.’
Well according to Interpretation Act “merdeka” day means..31. August ,1957. The clause 4 mentioned in Article 11 was inserted via four amendment done in year 1974, 1976,1984 and 2001.
Well the rest I leave it to readers here.
#37 by kanthanboy on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 4:16 pm
Is it not true that all decisions made by the Cabinet must be unanimous? If the rule still stands then the Cabinet decision to restrict the use of the word “Allah†to muslims only must has been supported by Bernard Dompok and other Christian ministers. Who are these Christian ministers besides Bernard Dompok? Bear in mind Matthew 16: 26 “ What good will it be for you to gain the whole world, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can you give in exchange for your soul.
#38 by Jeffrey on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 8:06 pm
greenacre : Article 4 striking down any “law” after Merdeka which is inconsistent with the Constitution cannot strike down and invalidate sub-clause (4) of Article 11 (even though it came about via amendment subsequent to Merdeka) because, after amendment sub-clause (4) of Article 11 becomes part of the Constitution and no more a subordinate “law” conflicting with the Constitution.
#39 by Evenmind on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 8:15 pm
Well, firstly the morons monopolized the country’s economy , by taking a hugh pie for themselves, what now ? they want to monopolize God (Allah) as well ??
#40 by hedonese on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 8:19 pm
Election time – UMNO needs to play the racial, Islam card lagi… Sigh… I think this time, the rakyat in East Malaysia really need to show ‘em that we will not accept such parochial politics…
A friend of mine wrote: “The Malayan Declaration of Independence (1957) provides an outstanding example of how common usage of ‘Allah’ builds mutual understanding. The Declaration of Independence begins with the phrase “Dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah lagi Mengasihani, segala puji bagi Allah yang Maha Berkuasa.†The Declaration continues to affirm an agreement between the Queen and the Malay Rulers whereby Malaya was granted Independence. Obviously, the Declaration assumes that both the Queen of England (who is the head of Christianity in England) and the Malay Rulers could appeal to the same supreme God (‘Allah’) to ratify their agreement. The Deputy Minister ought to take note that there was no hint of any confusion regarding the Independence granted to Malaya.â€
#41 by greenacre on Saturday, 5 January 2008 - 8:57 pm
Jeffry…thanks
That is the reason I left it readers. If there is any truth to aka social contract, then that must be able to strike it down ..if ever.
#42 by Yong Chee keong on Monday, 7 January 2008 - 5:01 pm
Let us tell our children not to sing any State Anthem which has the word Allah. If HM asks why, Cabinet decision.
The Rukun Negara does not apply to Muslims since there is the word Tuhan and not Allah.
Islam Hadhari does not apply to non-Muslims since the first principle is belief in Allah.
What happens to Christians and Sikhs in Sabah and Sarawak since they used the word even before joining Malaysia? If they were told of this earlier, maybe they would not have joined the Federation. This is especially true of Sarawak as they are a christian majority state – and maybe it is time to have a christian CM.
#43 by Not spoon fed on Friday, 18 January 2008 - 7:44 pm
The power of prayer is so great if you pray all together in a church that a Christian CM would head Sarawak.
2008 is a revival year. Miracles would happen.
#44 by lo on Tuesday, 5 January 2010 - 11:03 am
Sebenarnya kalimah “Allah” tidak terdapat dalam kitab Taurat atau Talmud Hebrew atau kitab Injil Kristian dalam bahasa Latin, Greek atau bahasa-bahasa Eropah. Nama bagi Tuhan dalam bahasa yahudi ialah “Yahweh”, yang diterjemahkan kepada bahasa Inggeris sebagai “Jehovah”.
Dalam kitab Injil, Jesus (Isa) dan God adalah sama. Tidak ada kalimah Allah dalam kitab Injil dalam bahasa-bahasa yang disebut di atas.
Dalam usaha menerangkan agama Kristian di kalangan orang Islam atau masyarakat yang mahir dengan agama Islam, perkataan God diterjemah kepada “Allah” supaya mudah difaham oleh pendengar.
Mungkin juga kalimah “Allah” dapat menyamakan agama Kristian dengan agama Islam kerana menyembah Tuhan yang sama. Dengan ini penerimaan agama Kristian oleh orang Islam boleh jadi lebih mudah. Terjemahan ini salah. Sepatutnya perkataan “Tuhan” digunakan untuk God.
Tetapi dalam agama Kristian terdapat konsep “Trinity” yang mana terdapat “God the Father, God the Son and the Holy Ghost”. Jika dalam bahasa Melayu terdapat dalam kitab Injil atau syarahan berkenaan “Allah sebagai Bapak, Allah sebagai Anak dan Roh yang Suci”, maka tentulah ini akan ditentang oleh orang Islam. Dalam Islam Allah tidak ada bapak, tidak ada anak. Ia tidak dilahirkan dan Ia tidak melahirkan sesiapa. Allah hanya satu. Ia tidak boleh disekutu dengan sesiapa.
Di Amerika Syarikat, orang Kristian yang sudah tidak teguh iman biasa berkata dan menulis, “God is dead”. Apakah perasaan orang Islam apabila ini diganti dengan “Allah is dead”?