The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia (NECF), a national body representing the evangelical Christian community, has criticised PAS for interfering with how other religions should call their gods.

NECF chairperson Reverend Eu Hong Seng told Sin Chew Daily that the latest decision by the PAS syura council, who is the highest decision-making body of the Islamic party, disallowing non-Muslims to use the word 'Allah' in their religious text, is a disrespect to other religions.

He said PAS' interpretation and understanding on the word should not be forced upon on other religions, as it is against the freedom of religion for all citizens enshrined in the federal constitution.

"It exposes that PAS leaders are not mature. The flip-flop in their stance over the word 'Allah' shows that this political party is not credible.

"In fact, if everyone could respect the values of a diverse society, this would not be an issue at all," he was quoted as saying.

Eu reiterated that it is considered as a disrespect, when a religion dictates another religion on how to call its god.

The syura council, chaired by PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, had met on Sunday night and issued a statement stating that the word 'Allah' cannot be used as a translation for 'God' or 'Lord' in non-Islamic religious texts.

Subsequently, other party leaders, including those who once reportedly said that non-Muslims can use 'Allah', complied with the decision.

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