The Catholic Church of Kuala Lumpur has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the Muslim clergy and find an amicable solution to the Allah row currently threatening to inundate the nation in a sea of demonstrations.

Father Michael Chua who is in charge of the Ministry of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Affairs of the Kuala Lumpur Archdiocese said: "The church is always open to discourse. We would welcome a dialogue with the Muslim clergy on this matter."

He, however, felt that in light of various contentious postings on blogs, and news reports that demonstrations are being planned, now may not be the appropriate time for such dialogue.

"I'm not sure if the environment is conducive for a dialogue. We may need to wait for things to cool down for a bit," he said.

It was for this precise reason, Father Michael believes that counsel for the Catholic Church and its representatives decided not to contest the stay application filed by the Home Mnistry.

NONE The church yesterday decided not to contest the Home Ministry's stay application pending their appeal of the overturning of the ‘Allah' ban out of 'national interest'.

"What we want here is a win-win situation. I'm concerned that some parties may be acting more out of fear, rather than from any deeply held conviction of faith," said Father Michael.

But even if a dialogue were to be initiated, Father Michael said the learned ulamas themselves have differing views and opinions on the ‘Allah' issue.

herald judicial review kl court 250408 group "If we were to talk to one party, we still have to discuss with many others afterwards," he said.

When told of the plan by the Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) to formulate a unified viewpoint for Islamic authorities, scholars, law practitioners and academicians on the ‘Allah' issue, Father Michael was enthusiastic but remained guarded.

"I welcome the upcoming Ikim discussion among the Muslim ulamas and scholars to come out with a unified view. It would certainly help in any dialogue that is mooted."

Olive branch offered

Meanwhile, in what can be seen as an olive branch or a prelude to dialogue, Federal Territory PAS Youth sent a letter yesterday, asking to meet with KL archbishop Murphy Pakiam.

According to a press release sent out to the media earlier today, the movement's chief, said: "Federal Territory PAS Youth still see room for a diplomatic solution to this issue.

penang protest against herald umno youth "We categorically reject any aggressive and provocative acts that may inflame the situation."

He said that the movement does not plan to engage in any demonstrations and expressed hope that their request will be granted so that all parties can resolve the matter amicably.

Kamaruzaman also called for Muslims to be calm and urged them not to take any actions which may taint the image of Islam.

Students make their stand

Meanwhile in a show of solidarity, Muslim and Christian students in Universiti Malaya today came out with a consensus over the ‘Allah' row.

In a statement, PMIUM (UM Association of Muslim Students) and PKVUM (UM Varsity Christian's Association), the umbrella organisations that represent students of the respective religions, said the two groups had reached an understanding over the matter.

PMIUM president Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin and PKVUM president Benjamin Ong both signed the statement listing down the guidelines that they have agreed upon:

  • That dialogue and discourse is the best and respectable way to handle the issue.
  • That proper education to the adherents of the different faiths must be given in order to ensure the proper understanding of tenets of each religion.
  • The legal system is not the only proper way to solve the issue, especially when it is open to manipulation by certain parties.
  • Religious institutions and leaders must take the proactive step of meeting and engaging in discourse in order to promote greater understanding among the different faiths.

They reminded all parties not to manipulate the issue and condemned those who use it to provoke public sentiments.

The public must use discretion and proper education to avoid prejudice towards the followers of other religion.