I refer to the Malaysiakini report Another U-turn: Ban on 'Allah' in Christian publications remains .

The recent controversy surrounding the use of the word ‘Allah’ has been blown out of proportion, following the home ministry’s decision to allow the word on publication, but not allowing it to be uttered by non- Muslims.

In the eyes of the layperson, it may sound ridiculous but the judgement has been seen as a compromise to a deadlock We can’t say that the government is insensitive to the people and their beliefs.

Still there are certain quarters that still protest in the name of religion. For a mere word, it has been taken so out of context that it has gone to court and the judgement is still unfavorable to everyone. A PKR politician has made it a personal crusade and it goes to show that Malaysia is still not free from the shackles of racial inequality.

In the interest of public harmony, the champions of Christianity should take the bold move to remove the word from publication and declare it illegal to utter. In the Bible the name of God is uttered in many ways :‘Lord God Almighty’, ‘Jehovah,’ ‘the Lord’, ‘Yahweh’ etc. Translate them into Malay and use it. ‘Tuhan’ is still available.

Why in God’s name are we fighting over the exclusive use of a word when this could lead to a potential conflict?

A verse in the Bible may be of help: ‘If a limb in your body may cause a brother to sin, it is better to cut it off, than to enter the Kingdom of Heaven with a diseased limb’.

It is in the interest of one and all to know that everyone takes their religion seriously and that’s why the government tries to protect Muslims from going astray and the Christians try to prevent their brothers from backsliding.

And with the current political turmoil, it is a powder keg to pursue religious correctness or to provoke the majority. In light of these new developments, it would be a folly to continue the fight.

Where before the fight was with the Federal Territory Religious Department, today seven state religious departments have joined in, including the Chinese Muslim Association. Will the Council of Churches relent, should the religious councils of all 13 states join together in unison to fight for this right to use the name of God?

Believe it or not, it is human nature for the majority to assert their authority over the minority. And if by fluke, the Council of Churches wins their case, it will lead to further trampling of religious rights by the already enraged religious zealots.

It would be in public interest to drop the case and pray for God’s guidance and perhaps in your next publication, openly declare to your Christian readers that the government has declared ‘the name of God’ illegal to be in print or to be uttered by non-Muslims.

Call on your congregation to pray fervently that one day by God’s Grace, this decree may be reversed and that the name of God may one day be uttered again freely and legally. Refrain from using the word and a segment of the people will feel vindicated and pleased that the name of God is for the exclusive use of a select group.

Never mind the fact that this decree only applies to Malaysia while the rest of the free world may still utter the name of God without hindrance.. We must be stoic and accept the fact that we have to give and take, in this multiracial and religious society.

Also rest assured that there are others, be they Muslims, Buddhists or Hindus, who understand and support your right to practice your faith and who believe in your heroic fight.

In the past, we have seen the demolition of places of worship and Malaysians do sympathise with your plight and pray that this country will continue to allow everyone the freedom to worship the God of their choice.