COMMENT | Many years ago, Malayans under British rule raised the Union Jack and sang “God Save the Queen” – the one and only song at official functions. It was supposed to express their support for someone or something and hope that the monarchy will live or last. The British have left and we have incorporated a similar line in our own “NegaraKu”.

In Britain, where freedom of expression extends to the extremes, the punk rock band Sex Pistols released its own version of a song with their name and subsequently included it in their only album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.”

In any language or faith, God means the Almighty – the man or woman up there, supposedly watching our good deeds, sins and other indiscretions. To some believers, they will be rewarded for their efforts (including 72 virgins, as promised by interpreters claiming to be men of God).

For non-believers, there’s no God and therefore, they care a damn for rewards or punishment. The principle is to each his own beliefs, thoughts and action.

People have no qualms about that. But when the Almighty’s name is drawn in vain, you got to stand up and ask: “Is this why such prayers, offerings and sacrifices are made?”

This is because, of late, those suspected of theft, fraud and criminal breach of trust have turned to the Almighty for an excuse. Seriously, what has the Almighty got to do when you put your hand in the till?

It should not go into legalese and jargon. The bland interpretation of theft is the act of taking something (illegally) without the knowledge of the owner. What has God got to do this?

When caught with their pants down, the alleged perpetrators would scream: “This is a test from…”. It can’t be repeated because the religious zealots will come after me for breaching their edict, because only they can refer to God by that name...