Regarding the recent controversy surrounding the use of the word ‘Allah’ by Christians, I would like to express my disgust at the government and all those who are against Christians using that word.

Christians in Sabah and Sarawak have been using the word ‘Allah’ for a very long time. In fact, Bahasa Malaysia has been used in Christianity long before Malaysia came into being. The Seventh Day Adventist Church had pastors from Indonesia who would conduct sermons in Bahasa Indonesia, thus the word ‘Allah’ was frequently used.

Malay became the medium of instruction in Sabah and Sarawak when the Education Act 1961 was extended to these states. This led to a decline in English proficiency among Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians resulting in a greater use of BM in Christianity. After a controversy over the Iban Bible in 2003, the prime minister allowed Malay-language bibles on the condition that it is labelled “Not for Muslims”.

Contrary to what Malaysiakini reader Fathima Idris thinks, Christians do use the word ‘Allah’ when praying whether privately or in congregation. Malay language services are rife throughout churches in Sabah and Sarawak. In some churches, services are conducted in BM only. This controversy reflects the ignorance of West Malaysian Muslims of the situation in East Malaysia. The government too seems to be condoning this ignorance to the extent of forcing the church to suit this ignorance.

Bumiputera Christians in Sabah and Sarawak are deeply offended by this ignorance. As much as the Malays in West Malaysia hold on dearly to their religion, the Christian bumiputera here cherish theirs too. I urge the Internal Security Ministry to reverse its stand and I hope Bernard Dompok - the so-called minister in charge of Christian affairs and a Sabahan himself - does something about this. Please silence the ignorant voices in the government. We do not want another Hindraf episode.