Communication and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said today he hoped that all quarters would respect the decision of the Court of Appeal on the use of the word "Allah" in The Herald, the Catholic weekly publication.

"They should understand that the court had made a decision, and we should adhere to that decision," he told reporters at the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual organised by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) at the Muhammadi Surau at Angkasapuri today.

Also present were Information Department director-general Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and Broadcasting director-general Norhyati Ismail.

The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous decision yesterday, allowed an appeal by the government to set aside a decision of the High Court in 2009 allowing The Herald to use the word ‘Allah’ in reference to God in its Malay-language publication.

Asked about the possibility of certain quarters turning the court decision into a political issue, Ahmad Shabery said they should be told that they would have to accept the decision.

"If we do not respect the law, who will? We must remember that laws are used to safeguard the public interest on the whole and not for the sake of any religious group," he said.

Hisham welcomes decision

The High Court had decided in favour of The Herald following an application for a judicial review filed on Feb 16, 2010 by the Roman Catholic Church led by Archbishop Murphy Pakiam.

He had named the Home Ministry and the government as respondents, seeking, among others, a declaration that the ministry's decision to prohibit the use of the word ‘Allah’ in The Herald publication was illegal.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein has lauded the court decision.

"I personally feel relieved that the issue has been resolved via the courts and all parties must respect the decision," he told reporters after meeting with Penang Umno divisional leaders in Bukit Mertajam today.

- Bernama