I refer to the Malaysiakini report Gov't backs down, Herald gets new permit .

We thank the government for giving the Herald an unconditional publishing permit to Herald for publishing the Catholic newsletter with Allah for God in Bahasa Malaysia. The threat of the withdrawal of its permit for using the word ‘Allah’ for God brought the government under fierce criticisms.

It has been strongly and evidently stated that the word ‘Allah’ was widely used by all the people of the Arab states before the advent of Islam. Therefore to say that ‘Allah’ is only for the Muslim God does not hold water for it is as if there are separate gods for Christians, the Hindus and others.

God is only One and it is wise to call Him by different names. This is stated in the Vedas – the ‘Sanathana Dharma’ (Eternal Righteousness) now called Hinduism. The Sanskrit verse reads ‘Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanti’ meaning: Truth (God) is One [...] the wise men call It by various names.’

Let there be openness and understanding among the people particularly amongst our religious and political leaders so that unnecessary tensions can be avoided in this multi-religious and multi-racial country of ours.