Non-Muslim use of 'Allah' restricted to East M'sia, govt to amend laws

PARLIAMENT | The government will amend and revoke laws that are in conflict with a Rulers Council's decision that the word “Allah” can only be used by Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia and with restrictions for non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said this was part of his administration's efforts to ensure that the issue may no longer be contested in the courts after the 2021 landmark decision in the Jill Ireland case.

"The decision made, on the advice of the attorney-general, is to streamline (all related regulations). Otherwise, if we (the government) appeal, the case may surface again because of existing conflicts.

"So, because of that, we are putting an end (to it) by amending all regulations to make it clear and no further cases can be brought to court," said Anwar during the Prime Minister's Question Time today.

He said this in response to Takiyuddin Hassan (Perikatan Nasional-Kota Bharu) who urged the government to justify its decision to withdraw an appeal in the Ireland case.

In raising his additional question, Takiyuddin also cited then deputy prime minister Ghafar Baba's note in 1986 to then prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad - which eventually led to a Home Ministry directive prohibiting the use of four specific words including “Allah” by non-Muslims.

He said the note was one of three documents cited in the grounds of judgment in Ireland’s case, the other two being Mahathir’s letter dated May 19, 1986, to then Home Ministry secretary-general and the final Home Ministry circular dated Dec 5, 1986.

“As we know, the 1986 decision was never amended by the BN government or the PN government, and it is only until now that the current unity government is pushing for amendments to make things clear,” said Anwar today.

Earlier, Anwar, in response to Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai), reaffirmed that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the government's decision to withdraw the appeal and that it was consulted with state Islamic councils.

Further, he said all proposed amendments to the current regulations will be presented to the Malay Rulers Council during its next sitting in July.

‘Political answer’

At a press conference later, Takiyuddin, who is also PN's chief whip, reiterated the opposition's stand that the government should not have withdrawn its appeal, and allow the highest court to come up with a final ruling.

He also raised doubts over Anwar's statement that the Agong had consented to the government's withdrawal of the appeal, as the prime minister made no mention of further details on the matter.

"He (Anwar) did not say when did the meeting happen, on what date, when did he see the Agong. Was it after the withdrawal, or before that?" he said.

At the same time, Takiyuddin also claimed he had met with Attorney-General Idrus Harun in Parliament today and was informed that Anwar's response was a "political answer" to questions raised.

"By chance, as I went out of the Dewan, I met with the AG. Let me be responsible for my statement. I asked him (AG) and he answered, 'we just listen to a political answer'.

"This is what came out from the AG's mouth. I am responsible, I have witnesses. He (AG) just came to listen to a political answer," he said.

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