The National Union of Malaysian Muslim Students (PKPIM) lodged a police report against Herald for its usage of ‘Allah' in its Catholic publication.

The report was lodged at the Dang Wangi police station today at 3.30 pm following a protest at the Kampung Baru Mosque earlier today.

Abu Qasim Nurazmi, the deputy president of PKPIM accompanied by Muhamad Raimi Abdul Rahim, the secretary-general of ABIM filed the report.

They alleged that The Herald is using ‘Allah' in their publication with malicious intent and that their action is mala fide .

NONE "We urge the police to conduct a through investigation on the motive of The Herald for insisting on using ‘Allah' in their publication," said Abu Qasim said.

In the police report, the Muslim group said The Herald should respect Article 11 (4) of Federal Constitution and not try to confuse the Muslim community.

Article 11 (4) states that State law and in respect of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, federal law may control or restrict the propagation of any religious doctrine or belief among persons professing the religion of Islam.

According to Muhamad Raimi, state Islamic departments in 10 states have issued a fatwa against propagation of other religions to Muslims.

"Thus, we feel that The Herald is disregarding the provisions of the Federal Constitution and disrespecting Islam, creating disharmony among Malaysians," he said.

NONE Abu Qasim agreed and felt it could lead to further chaos in the country if The Herald does not respect that Islam is the official religion in the country.

Earlier, cries of ‘Allahu Akbar!' and ‘Takbir' were heard moments after Friday prayers concluded in the Kampung Baru mosque.

About 50 people gathered within the compounds to protest against the usage of the word ‘Allah' by non-Muslims.

Calling it a "Youth Awareness Campaign", the group proceeded with their speeches despite calls to "go home" by other Muslims who were leaving the mosque.

"The churches have already been blown up, and now you want to ‘blow up' here as well? Just go home!" said one man.

However, the group's leaders were quick to add that they condemned the incidents of arson on the three churches.

'Accept the fact, Islam is the official religion'

Representing 38 NGOs including Abim, PPKIM and Sahabat Insan dan Iman, the group presented a declaration titled: "Declaration for Harmony between Religions".

It said all must "understand and respect sensitivities of Muslims, and accept that Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and that the constitution was written based on this fact."

NONE It also said society must "realise that the consitution has placed Islam in a special place and this has been agreed upon by those of different religions and races in Malaysia."

Thus, the NGOs called for "a halt on all claims on matters pertaining to Islam that disrupts and hurt the feelings of Muslims, and undermines national safety".

They also said matters like the ‘Allah' issue must be "handled out of court".

However, Muhammad Raimi said they supported the Home Ministry's decision to appeal the lift of the ban on the usage of the word ‘Allah' by the The Herald.

He stressed that they respected the court's decision, but are gathering to show their dissatisfaction regarding the issue.

'Don't test our patience'

"We want to send a message that this is a sensitive issue. Leave 'Allah' for the Muslims," he said, matching banners which read: "The word 'Allah' is only for us".

Others who spoke included Zaim Shaari from Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia who said: "We don't want our land to be colonised."

"There is a limit to our patience; don't challenge us or try to incite our anger. We do not want to invite altercations. If we can respect other religions then why can't they respect us and not try to mix everything in one bag?" he asked.

NONE PKPIM president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz called on all Muslims leaders in the country to produce a joint statement "to defend the word ‘Allah'".

"This is not a political issue, so I urge the leaders to overcome the political divide and to unite in the name of ‘Allah'," he said.

Despite what the group claimd that the use of ‘Allah' by non-Muslims offends all Muslims, members of the faith appear divided on the matter.

Groups like the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) supported the lifting of the ban.

Muhammad Raimi said: "Perhaps they have this view because they are a minority (in North America). They are entitled to their own views but we don't agree with them."