‘Allah’ word use should not be debated openly, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of using the word "Allah" should not be discussed or debated openly so as to not cause confusion among Muslims, says the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision to withdraw the appeal against the use of the word "Allah" and three other words was made after the matter was referred to the muftis and King.

According to him, the issue had been explained several times including in Parliament on the use of the word "Allah" which was reserved for Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia.

"Only Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia can use the word 'Allah' to avoid confusion and issues with other religions.

"Therefore other religions are not allowed to use the word.

"In Sabah and Sarawak, there is some relaxation to this, but with strict conditions, so that there is no confusion as well.

"The word Allah can be discussed, but in closed meetings.

"It should not confuse the people," he was reported as saying by Sinar Harian at an event in Shah Alam on Thursday (May 25).

Anwar said the government was still being accused of betraying the people's trust.

On May 15, the Home Ministry and the Malaysian Government were reported to have withdrawn their appeal against the decision of the Kuala Lumpur High Court which ruled that Christians could use the word "Allah" and three other Arabic words in the publication of their religious material for learning purposes.

On the rationale of withdrawing the appeal, Anwar explained that the Attorney General believed that the appeal was not in line with the decision made by the Conference of Rulers.

The Prime Minister said that he had referred the matter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the King had advised him that all decisions must be in line with the decision made by the Conference of Rulers.

In the meantime, Anwar urged scholars to be brave and sincere in making reprimands in order to raise the dignity of Muslims and the country.

"Leaders need to listen and accept the criticism of scholars and respond to them," he said.