KUCHING, Mar 17: The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) calls on all quarters to stop fighting over the use of the word ‘Allah’ to avoid further unnecessary division.
“Let’s adopt a mutually inclusive approach and respect the High Court’s ruling. It is in line with our multicultural country with its diverse customs and harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups.
“Ruling and opposition politicians must all take responsibility in calling for calm and not allow the issue to lead to more misunderstandings, contradictions, or suspicions among us,” said PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing in a press statement today.
Following years of the judicial process, the case of the use of the word ‘Allah’ has finally been decided by the High Court. He believed that the relevant judgement had been reached as a result of thorough consideration.
It is his opinion that this judicial decision should now be followed by exchanges of understanding between the various ethnic groups so that mutual respect can be achieved and protect the multiracial peace in the country.
“As a country of diverse faiths and beliefs, Malaysia must strive to maintain the existing atmosphere of harmony and peaceful coexistence and respect. By building on mutual understanding among all ethnic groups, we will be able to protect the harmony and tranquillity we enjoy now.
“Let us begin by not making further controversies out of the ruling, which would only serve to complicate the issue, and create misunderstandings between races and religions. This would cause social divisiveness, which would benefit no quarter,” said Tiong who is also the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister to China.
At this junction where the comments and responses to the ruling on the ‘Allah’ case continue to rage, he firmly believed that “political parties and government leaders must refrain from airing this issue excessively”.
“After all, a court judgement has been reached, but continuing to broadcast grievances would be counter-productive to peace and harmony in the country,” said Tiong who is Bintulu MP. -DayakDaily
