The US government watchdog on religious freedom voiced concern today about a spate of church attacks in Malaysia, saying that leaders' response would be vital in shaping the nation's future.

"We are very concerned with events in Malaysia, as the church bombings have shaken Malaysia's delicate political and ethnic balance," said Leonard Leo, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

"H azlan ow Malaysian leaders settle these matters will determine that country's political and economic future," he said.

The commission, which makes policy recommendations to the US government, is a bipartisan body with members appointed by the the president and Congress.

Assailants have fire-bombed or vandalised nine churches in a wave of violence since Malaysia's High Court on Dec 31 lifted a government ban on non-Muslims using 'Allah' as a translation for 'God'.

The ruling in favour of Catholic newspaper the Herald , which argued for the right to use 'Allah' in its Malay-language section, was suspended last week pending an appeal, after the government argued that 'Allah' is exclusive to Malay Muslims.

At least nine churches have been attacked in Malaysia since last Friday in the wake of the High Court decision.

- AFP