'Allah' issue can turn into polemic unless urgently resolved - Agong

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah reminded that a failure to resolve issues surrounding the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims could lead to a polemic with the potential to adversely affect unity and harmony in the country.

In his speech during an investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his birthday celebration, Sultan Abdullah said the issue goes beyond debates from a terminology or linguistic perspective.

"It is an issue of the Muslim faith. Any confusion will only trigger a disaster," said the king.

Also present during the ceremony at Istana Negara was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

Sultan Abdullah said any resolution must take into account factors including national security and also the role of the Malay sultans as heads of Islam in their states.

"The government must harmonise the current situation while at the same time place the use of the word ‘Allah’ in the right context, taking into account national security, the wellbeing of the ummah, as well as my role and the role of other Malay rulers as heads of Islam," he said.

The King also said this aligns with the first principle of the Federal Constitution on Belief in God, underscoring the importance of religion as an aspect of Malaysian life and how it should not be used as a basis for disputes and arguments.

He added that the sanctity of Islam has been preserved for a long time in Malaysia, and Islam is also accorded a special status as the religion of the Federation, as stated in Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.

"Islam is accorded a special status in the Federal Constitution and this was achieved through understanding and agreement by all parties when the country gained independence," he said.

Last month, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Home Ministry is reviewing and updating a more comprehensive directive to deal with issues pertaining to the use of the word “Allah” and three other words in religious publications.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently reaffirmed that the government will amend and revoke laws in conflict with a Rulers Council's decision on how the word “Allah” can only be used by Muslims in Peninsular Malaysia and with restrictions for non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak.

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