MIRI, March 11: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) welcomes the decision by the Kuala Lumpur High Court yesterday to overturn Putrajaya’s 1986 directive of a total ban on the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications is unconstitutional and invalid and further declared orders to affirm Sarawak Bumiputra Christian Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill’s Constitutional Rights not to be discriminated against and be allowed to practise her own faith.
SUPP Secretary General Datuk Sebastian Ting in a statement today said the important decision certainly gave a positive insight to religious freedom in the country.
“From the feedback we received, most people in Sarawak and many fellow Malaysians living in other parts of Malaysia also welcomed this landmark decision.
“Sarawak has always been different and we are proud of it.
“I remember when the late Chief Minister of Sarawak Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem made it very clear for Sarawak on the issue of religious freedom and that the use of the word “Allah” (by non-Muslim) has never been an issue at all,” he said.
Tok Nan as Adenan was fondly known had made it clear that in Sarawak, the word ‘Allah’ can be used freely by the Christians as long as he was the CM. He further added that Allah is the same God of many colors and there is no difference among the people who are all children of God.
“In fact, the court ruling on Wednesday (March 10), allows a country such as Malaysia with multi-racial and multi religions population to have mutual respect for one another, especially in Sarawak.
“Tok Nan cited examples where families of different religions, Christians, Muslims and Buddhists living harmoniously in Sarawak and it is something that all Sarawakians should continue to value, treasure and pass on to the next generations to come,” said the Piasau assemblyman.
He added that freedom of religion was enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Sarawakians have been living together in Peace and Harmony for hundreds of years and even before the formation of Malaysia in 1963, without quarrelling or disagreement over religion issues.
The ban on the use of word ‘Allah’ was issued by the federal government since 1986 and it was until yesterday that the High Court declared the total ban as unconstitutional and invalid.
Ting said it was indeed a good decision for the country and congratulated the Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin for her courage to make this very important landmark decision in accordance with the Federal Constitution and existing laws in the country.
“The judge has shown that rule of law must prevail in court and since the decision has been made, it is appropriate for all Malaysians to accept the decision and move forward as an united Country.
“Whether the government will appeal or not is immaterial for now as we find or take comfort that we have liberal Judges in our Judiciary System, to be our protector and dispense Justice, without fear or favour,” he said.
He lamented the decision reaffirmed that Malaysia is a secular country where everyone has the right to profess and practise his or her religion freely.
“Sarawak is blessed. First we had Tok Nan who had openly on numerous occasions said and reassured us that the word “Allah” could be used in Sarawak by all Sarawakians.
“Now we have our current Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari who is also serious and committed in defending freedom of religion in Sarawak continuing Tok Nan’s legacy.
“The setting up of UNIFOR in Sarawak, the only one in Malaysia, is the best testimony of our present Chief Minister Abang Jo’s commitment to promote and encourage total freedom of choice of religion for all Sarawakians,” he stressed.
He also put on record that the yearly allocation of million of ringgit to UNIFOR has increased over the years with RM50 million allocated in 2020.
“Indeed we have been celebrating each other religious festivals and cultures every year, something that we are all proud of and will continue to do so,” he said.
Ting who is also the assistant minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture felt that other cases such as Muslim convert who wish to return to their previous religion, should be viewed as equally, as it is the freedom of the individual in choosing the religion of their choice. — DayakDaily
