your say 'After all, it does not mean that a Muslim can be easily converted to Christianity or a Christian can be easily converted to Islam just based on the word ‘Allah'.'

Eddy: True Muslims are matured enough not to worry about this. What we need to worry about are people who use religion - any religion - as their political tool.

As a Muslim myself, I can accept this decision for after all, it does not mean a Muslim can be easily converted to Christianity or a Christian can be easily converted to Islam just based on the word ‘Allah'.

We worship the same Allah, ‘Tuhan Yang Maha Esa', the One and Only God. The Home Ministry should accept this decision and let us - all Muslims and Christians - move on. ‘Allahhu Akbar', God is Great.

Love 1 Malaysia: This is really a Christmas present to all Christians and other religions that use the word ‘Allah' to refer to God in Malaysia. Hopefully, the Muslims in Malaysia are matured enough in their faith so as to not be misguided just because of the word ‘Allah'.

Although in Sarawak, the natives there refer to God as ‘Tuhan Allah', ‘Allah Taala' or just plain ‘Allah', the Sarawak Muslims have never been led astray. They are just like the Muslims in ‘Semenanjung' (the Peninsular). I pray that the authorities will not appeal this decision as it shows how shallow their faith is as Muslims.

SRR: I have a few questions:

1. Would the Catholic community mind if the Hindus called or described one of their own Gods as ‘Jesus Christ? If they don't mind it, then I consider the court's decision fair.

2. Why is this term 'Allah' sought after so seriously when the Bible has many other terms like Yahweh, Elohim, Yeshua, etc, which can be used in addition to Malay terms like ‘Tuhan', ‘Maha Esa', ‘Pencipta', etc.

Yes, the Catholic Church can argue that the word 'Allah' predates Islam as a generic term for 'God' but the term 'Allah' has been recognised to be widely used by the Muslims of today. Well, at least, that's how I understand it, and it helps me to distinguish the Muslim God from the non-Muslim God, or Gods.

Nevertheless, Muslims should also learn to be humble and share this term 'Allah' with whomever who wants to use it. People are not going to get confused between the Muslim Allah and the non-Muslim Allah or Allahs.

Gk: I was told there is only one God. You may call Him by whatever name you use but there is only one God. Logically, if you regard Allah as your God, and believe He is the only God, we should have the grace for others to name their God, Allah.

If you believe there is more than one God, then, that will be different story. Better still, if you believe in no God, then this is not your problem. In short, this should not be an issue in the first place.

Sentinel: The not-very-clever minister for home affairs will submit an appeal and soon this landmark ruling will be overturned by the appellate court. Malaysians ‘sudah biasa' with these ‘sandiwara' long enough. The courts and judges in the appellate courts are the lackeys of the ruling government as the many Perak court appeals have shown.

Dood: Alhamdulilah. Let this be a sign from Allah so that ‘they' may see the error of their ways and repent. If they should see it fit to practise their evil further by appealing and overturning this landmark ruling, then let them forever burn.

Kgan: First round goes to the Catholic Church. But don't celebrate yet. It's only a victory if it is upheld by the Court of Appeal which is ‘owned' by Umno. Only obedient judges get promoted there. I would give the Catholic Church a 10 percent chance in the Court of Appeal - and I'm being generous here.

Al-han: Hail to the High Court judge who had the courage to uphold justice. In the spirit of ‘1Malaysia' and true justice, let this transcend race and religion. The Catholic Church should also petition to change the wording of Negaraku and the Rukunegara - change the word ‘Tuhan' to ‘Allah'. Let all us Malaysians unite and truly start sharing values..

Jbss: Kudos to justice Lau for your courage to uphold the federal Constitution. Fear not when your conscience is clear. The rakyat will be with you. Even if the appeals court does injustice later, you have discharged justice as you have been trained and pledged to do.

Enough!: This is it! If this case is overturned by the appellate court yet again, then it's confirmed - we are worse than Zimbabwe. Come the 13 ^th general election it's ‘bye-bye' Umno/BN for good.

Lusiapa: Has sanity finally returned to this once beautiful land? Or is it too early to tell? Whatever it is, the Catholic Church must be prepared to fight this monstrous injustice to the end should the government decide to challenge this judicial decision. I welcome this piece of good news.

Wira: Unfortunately for the country, this fine judge may soon no longer be handling anymore controversial (or constitutional) cases.

Aviyel: Thank Allah for this judgment. Home Ministry, please do not repeat this sinful mistake again.

Mwchow: To complete this latest ‘movie', the home minister will now come out with a statement to say he respects the court's decision and that Malaysia is a fair country but we will appeal. Then the Court of Appeal will overturn this decision after which it will go into limbo with no firm date allowed for a counter-appeal.