2010/01/15
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no issue with the word "Allah" being used by Christians in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Christians in Sarawak and Sabah need not worry over this issue because it is a common tradition there. I have been to an Iban church service and I heard the word 'Allah' used there," he said.
Nazri, however, said "Allah" was not allowed to be used in churches in Peninsular Malaysia and so Christians from Sabah and Sarawak had to respect that even when they are in the peninsula.
Asked why there were two sets of rules on the usage of the word "Allah" in the nation, he pointed out that this was not a unique practice as Malaysia also has two sets of laws on other matters, citing the syariah court and the civil court as an example.
He said the situation in the peninsula was different as "Allah" was only introduced into Christian worship and publications a few years ago.
"Muslims here in Semenanjung cannot accept it as 'Allah' was never used in Christian preachings until recently and they questioned the motive behind the substitution of 'Tuhan' for 'Allah'."
Nazri said Christians should recognise that using "Allah" in their worship and publications was sensitive to Muslims and that this was not an issue that could be solved by going to court.
He said banning the use of "Allah" by Christians was a preemptive move to stop outbreaks of religious violence in the nation, and the government was proven right in doing so when churches were attacked following the High Court ruling in favour of the Herald weekly.
Nazri said a solution to the issue needed to be found soon, but in the meantime, he appealed to the people to remain calm and rational.
