This is how I would have responded if I were the prime minister to make the current impasse on the word Allah a win-win situation:-

‘Patriotism transcends narrow political affiliation, it is allegiance to ones country and its well-being, it is about striving to leave it in a better state for the next generation to build on.

Democracy is not about three crocodiles and one ‘sang kancil’ (mouse deer) deciding on what to have for dinner, it is not only about the will of the majority but making sure that the legitimate interests of minorities are protected.

Dear Malaysians,

We made an error in 2007 by invoking the PPPA (Printing Press and Publications Act) on ‘Herald’ for using the word ‘Allah’. It is a fact that ‘Allah’ is the Arabic word for God, it has been used by Christians, Sikhs and many others throughout the world for millennia. This fact is also corroborated by Islamic scholars of impeccable reputation from many parts of the world.

As such we will accept the court’s decision as it stands and revoke our appeal to prevent ‘Herald’ from using the word ‘Allah’. Muslims need not feel threatened as the ‘Herald’ is not meant for public circulation and comes with a disclaimer that it is for circulation only among non-Muslims.

This is in line with article 11(4) of our Federal Constitution where propagation of other religions to Muslims is prohibited. Moreover, Islam is the official religion of this country, while other religions are allowed to be practiced harmoniously.

Islam will remain the official religion as even Parliament cannot amend this requirement for it will require the approval of the Conference of Rulers, and as we know the rulers are the custodians of Islam in this country, so please put your worries to rest.

As a Muslim, I believe that there is only one God, so I have no qualms when others refer to him by the same name. It is indeed unfortunate that something that we have in common has turned out to be catalyst to divide us.

In Nigeria recently, there were clashes between Muslims and Christians and the death toll was nearly 200 with some 5,000 people displaced. We have experienced cases of arson on some churches and surau at home and fortunately there were no casualties.

This is frowned upon by Islam as the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself forbade anyone from attacking other houses of worship.

We, however, cannot take the peace we have enjoyed for granted and I have instructed the police to spare no resources in bringing the perpetrators to book. If the situation is not brought under control, it will scare away foreign investors and tourists.

We will all suffer economically in these already difficult times. So therefore these arsonists are really traitors to this country and do not do justice to the majority of you who have remained peaceful.

All over the world we have incidences of ethnic and religious strife. Let us not add to the statistics but become a beacon of multi-religious and multiracial harmony, so the world may learn from us and respect us.

I appeal to you, fellow citizens, to put this matter which is just an unfortunate misunderstanding to rest as we have more pressing issues to address.

May Allah guide us all. ’