KUCHING, March 20: No need to seek cheap publicity and politicise on the “Allah” issue,” said Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
According to Nanta, as far as Sarawak is concerned, it is clear that the recent High Court’s decision on allowing the Christian to use the word “Allah” in their religious and educational purposes is not an issue in the state.
“The Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg also clarified on this and even the Sarawak government has made it very clear that it is not an issue in Sarawak,” he said.
Nanta said this during a press conference after attending the Program Malaysia Prihatin held at a local hotel, here today.
Apart from that, Nanta noted the Federal government has the right to appeal to overturn the High Court’s decision on allowing Christian to use the word “Allah” for religious and educational purposes.
“They have their rights and the law is there to allow them to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal,” he added.
On March 18, the Chief Minister Office’s (CMO) in a press statement made it clear that the state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to defend and preserve Sarawak’s religious tolerance as it is the core unifying factor for the people in the state.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the government leaders (State and Federal) are aware of the sentiments from the Christians in the country on the issue because it is nothing new.
He explained there is no need to go to seek publicity in the newspapers on the issue and making all kinds of statements.
“No need. We have our own sentiment and we understand it. We have expressed our opinion and views, and let the court processes take their course,” he said. –DayakDaily.
