Police identify organisers, participants of rally over Allah issue

SHAH ALAM - The police have identified a group of rally participants and organisers protesting the government's decision to withdraw its appeal against a High Court ruling that allowed non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" to refer to God.

Shah Alam district deputy police chief Superintendent Ramsay Anak Embol said the police had opened an investigation under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.

"The police did not receive any applications or were notified of the rally.

"We have opened an investigation, and the individuals involved have been identified for further action, including getting their statements recorded," he said on Friday.

Previously, the demonstration, which was held at about 2pm on Friday, was attended by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and dozens of people after prayers.

The rally, which was strictly controlled by the police, went smoothly without any unwanted incidents.

Among other things, the rally demanded that the trial on the issue continue and that the issue be resolved without any political interference.

Last Monday, the Association of Islam Defenders (Pembela) strongly objected to the Unity Government's decision to withdraw the appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision, which allowed non-Muslims to use the word 'Allah' along with three other Arabic words - 'Baitullah', 'Kaabah' and 'solat' in the publication of religious materials for educational purposes.

Its secretary-general, Mohd Aswanizam Alias, said the unilateral decision made by the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership without referring to or consulting with any stakeholders on the issue involving Muslims can be considered an outrageous act that can negatively impact the country.