The term ‘Allah’ has been used before the advent of Islam. It has been the common term of reference to the Almighty for many centuries. The various communities using this common term of reference have had no problem in understanding this word and what it referred to.

There has been no confusion whatsoever. Nobody has objected to the use of this term of reference until narrow-minded politicians got involved and created the present unnecessary controversy. Ordinary people from all faiths have better common sense in understanding this term of reference; they know what it means and what it alludes to in their respective faiths.

As we have said before, languages are the common heritage of humanity. Because of this, the various languages developed and grew rich in expression. They absorbed words and expressions from one another and, in the process, languages became expressive, expanded and spread across the world.

This being the case, no community can claim monopoly on the use of any word. It would be an absurd claim. Further, the word ‘Allah’ is not a local word derived from Bahasa Malaysia for anyone to lay claim to its exclusive usage.

By taking a political decision and making a political stand on its usage, the Barisan Nasional is creating confusion in the minds of thinking Malaysians. The harmony that the prime minister is trying to preserve and promote is being muddied and our unity is being threatened by the actions of uncaring politicians. The PM, unfortunately, is unable to rein in these politicians.

While in the past, certain individuals were involved in claiming exclusive right to the usage of the word ‘Allah’, now it is the cabinet that has decided that except for Muslims, others cannot utter this word or use it in their writings. In other words, this is the decision of the BN government supported by all the 14 component parties represented in the government.

We need no further proof that what Umno wants, it gets. All the other component parties play only second fiddle to the demands of Umno. The rest of the component parties very apparently do not have a say in this issue except to give in to the demands of Umno.

We would like to pose a question to the BN with regard to the Rukun Negara and the five principles which have been adopted as the guiding principles of the nation. The first principle states, ‘Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan’. Now, according to the cabinet’s logic, will the Muslims be confused when they recite the Rukun Negara because the term used in reference to God is ‘Tuhan’ instead of ‘Allah’?

Going by the cabinet’s logic, can non-Muslims sing the state anthems of certain states where the word ‘Allah’ is included in the text of the song? Now, Malaysians will know how absurd and ridiculous the BN government sounds and behaves in a plural society.

The writer is president, Aliran.