KUCHING, March 13: Following the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision to squash a 1986 government circular on the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications, a Sarawak activist is calling on the state and federal governments to review all other policies and directives relating to religious freedoms in Malaysia, and particularly Sarawak, and to uphold the spirit of the Constitution.
“An appeal should be welcome. A Federal Court ruling and precedent should be set. The judiciary, sworn to uphold the primacy and integrity of the Constitution, should lead the way,” he said.
On the same note, Peter suggested that the Sarawak government, as Malaysia’s only non-muslim majority state, speak on this issue.
He opined it is time for the State government to show the way in reviewing their legislation and shouldn’t wait to be directed by the courts.
“They should be implementing ideals on behalf of the people,” he added.
On March 10, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Christians nationwide can use the word, Allah, and other words in their religious publication for educational purposes.
This follows the Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin’s landmark decision in allowing a judicial review application by Sarawakian native Christian, Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill.
The judge also ruled that a directive issued in 1986 to ban the use of the four words by non-Muslims was “illegal” and “unconstitutional”.
On the same day, Maufakat Nasional (MN) consultative committee has urged the Federal government to refer the High Court’s ruling to the Court of Appeal.
On March 11, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing was stunned by the reaction of MN leaders voicing out that the Allah case should be brought to the Appellate Court.
Masing said it is the most ridiculous demand by any political party or religious group in a multi-religious nation like Malaysia. –DayakDaily
