The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) is appeallng to Malay-language daily Sinar Harian to call off its debate on the ‘Allah’ issue, as it says such events will not solve anything.

Abim secretary-general Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said the issue was too complicated as it is deep-rooted in theology and can touch on people's sensitivities.

“As such, Abim feels the debate involving two political figures will not bring about any solution, but instead will only worsen the situation as the issue, originally theological in nature, is dragged into more sensitive matters involving the law and the royal institution,” he said in a statement today.

Selangor BN chairperson Noh Omar and PAS’ Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad will engage in the verbal showdown  titled ‘Debate on Allah from A Legal Perspective’ scheduled for Jan 27.

“Religious issues such as these which cut across various sections of the society should be solved with discussions among scholars who are open-minded and more moderate compared to the two (political) sides,” Muhammad Faisal said.

He also said that Abim has handed over a letter to Sinar Harian urging that the forum be cancelled.

“This debate can also be considered sub judice because the case has not been heard at the Federal Court level yet,” he said.

He urged all parties to display a moderate stand, especially among Islamic and Christian scholars who are the “silent majority”, so that the issue can “cool down”.