Some 150 people comprising both Islamic NGOs and Christian groups gathered outside the Palace of Justice this morning in Putrajaya as the Court of Appeal begins hearing the ‘Allah’ case.

Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam has applied to the appellate court to strike out the government's appeal over the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the Bahasa Malaysia version of the bibles.

kalimah allah appeal case3 Among the NGOs present were right-wing group Perkasa and the Muslim Organisations in Defence of Islam (Pembela).

Also seen were former PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa and Perkasa vice-president Zulkifli Nordin and Herald Weekly editor Father Lawrence Andrew.

They had gathered there as early as 8am in front of the court complex while awaiting for the court proceedings to kick off.

There are limited seats in the public gallery in court with several media personnel barred by police personnel.

kalimah allah appeal case Archbishop Murphy is applying for the appellate court to set aside the government’s appeal against the High Court decision in 2009 which allowed the use of ‘Allah’ the Malay bibles.

The court was called into session at 9.40am.

A three-member panel hearing the application is led by Court of Appeal judge Abu Samah Nordin and also comprises judges Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahim and Rohana Yusof.

Upon hearing submissions from various parties, the court will deliver its decision at 3pm.

If the archbishop fails in his application today, the appeal by the Home Ministry and the government will be heard on Sept 10.

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