Malaysians are urged to pray for protection of freedom of religion in Malaysia. 

This follows the Federal Court verdict to deny Catholic publication The Herald leave to appeal a ban on the use of the word 'Allah'.

The Malaysia Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said that this is as the verdict leaves minorities “vulnerable”.

“The majority decision leaves minority faith communities vulnerable and disregard clear protection granted to all Malaysians...

“The MCCBCHST calls on the people to say prayers so that the religious and other rights of all Malaysians are protected,” council president Jagir Singh (right) said in a statement late yesterday.

Expressing “dismay” over the 4-3 decision, he also said that the verdict has shut out all avenues for minority Christians to seek redress.

“The application for leave to appeal had raised 26 grounds of legal and constitutional issues and minority rights issues to be decided.

“Now, with the Federal Court shutting out this avenue of Appeal it may result in grave injustice to minority rights which were hitherto protected by the Constitution,” he said.

Jagir, however, lauded the dissenting judgements by Justices Zainun Ali, Richard Malanjun and Jeffrey Tan Kok Wha.