'Allah' issue to be brought up in MKI meeting in August - Sultan Sharafuddin

SHAH ALAM - The issue concerning the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in Malaysia will be brought up in the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) in August before it is further discussed at the Conference of Rulers meeting in October.

The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said it was in line with MKI’s functions which include advising the Malay Rulers in improving the governance of Islam at the federal level.

The Sultan said the matter was also agreed to by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who was granted an audience to brief the ruler on the government’s decision to withdraw its appeal in the case of Jill Ireland versus Home Minister and the Malaysian Government at the Court of Appeal recently.

"During the briefing, I, as MKI chairman, have also voiced out my opinion, which was agreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, that the matter should first be brought to the MKI for discussion.

"I believe that MKI’s views are important to be forwarded to the Conference of Rulers in setting the final policy regarding the use of the word ‘Allah’ by the non-Muslims in Malaysia,” he said in a statement here today.

Sultan Sharafuddin said since the matter involves religious sensitivity in Malaysia, the issue of the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims, needs to be resolved immediately by the Malaysian government with full wisdom and responsibility.

At the same time, the Sultan called on all parties not to politicise, raise or debate the use of the word Allah by non-Muslims until the Conference of Rulers makes a final decision on the issue.

This is to ensure that racial harmony in Malaysia remains intact in order to maintain the social and economic stability of this country.

"I also call on all parties to respect the principles of the Federal Constitution which guarantee the rights and powers of the Malay Rulers in determining matters related to the religion of Islam.

"The solution to this issue should be made carefully based on the Federal Constitution which stated that Islam is the religion of the Federation without prejudicing the rights of non-Muslims to practice religions other than Islam in peace,” he said. - BERNAMA