Policy prohibiting non-Muslims in peninsula from using the word ‘Allah’ won’t change, says Anwar

IPOH: There is no need to kick up a fuss over the issue involving the use of the word "Allah", as the policy will not change, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic).

The Prime Minister said the policy whereby non-Muslims in the peninsula cannot use the word would remain unchanged.

"The policy was decided by the Conference of Rulers and Muftis many years ago.

"It has also remain since Barisan Nasional's time (as the Federal Government) to Perikatan Nasional and until now," he said in his speech during a hi-tea session with mosque and surau officials from the Tambun parliamentary constituency at the Perak Islamic Administration Institute here on Thursday (May 18).

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"That is the policy, whereby the word ‘Allah’ cannot be used by non-Muslims, including in their holy books," he added.

Amwar had on Wednesday said that the Cabinet would present to the Conference of Rulers the government’s proposal to strengthen policies with regard to the use of the word “Allah”.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented for the Cabinet to do so in order to resolve the issue comprehensively.

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On May 15, the government withdrew its appeal in the Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill case, which was related to publications containing the word “Allah”.

Anwar said that there was a small issue that needed to be ironed out and there was a need to standardise the usage of the word.

"Because our rules are not clear in terms of customs, we need to do a study, to streamline its usage so there will be no changes to the decision.

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"Some folk there (in Sarawak) have used it for hundreds of years," he said.

"The decision will remain, whereby non-Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia cannot use it, while there will be conditions for Sabah and Sarawak," he added.