Be calm, exercise caution when expressing opinions on Allah ruling, says Religious Minister

PUTRAJAYA - Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar has told the public to remain calm and exercise caution when expressing their opinions on the Allah ruling issue as it involves legal technicalities.

He said all partiesshould not be swayed by unfounded sentiments to safeguard religious well-being and promote harmony.

"The department takes note of the Home Ministry's position in respecting, certifying and adopting the enactments of the states and the decree of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Feb 7, which stated the policy in effect regarding the usage of Allah should be maintained," he said in a statement, today.

He said he would always uphold the orders of Johor Sultan, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Selangor Sultan, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to safeguard the glory and purity of Islam, including the issue of the ruling on the usage of Allah.

Na'im assured that he would cooperate with the Home Ministry to safeguard and uphold the current policies in place concerning the ruling on the usage of Allah and other sacred words in Islam.

"The department is confident that the home ministry will increase monitoring and act decisively against any form of violation of the expansion of other religious doctrines or beliefs among Muslims in accordance with the Federal Constitution," he said.

Former religious minister Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad previously revealed that the Selangor and Johor sultans have ordered to appeal the decision of the High Court to allow the Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill to use the word Allah and some other words for non-Muslims to use in their religion.

Zulkifli said this on Monday in response to media reports about the government and Home Ministry withdrawing the appeal on April 18.