The Malaysian government has banned the Herald, a catholic newspaper, from printing the word "Allah" and the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has issued a decree as head of islam in Selangor barring non-muslims from using the word "Allah" two days' ago.
This unhealthy and undemocratic ban makes a mockery of basic human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
It must be stopped soonest possible before it spirals into religious conflict pitting one religion against another in modern moderate Malaysia where Selangor leads as the most advanced state.
The ban is also contrary to the citizenship right of all Malaysians to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia which has unfortuantely been amended many times since Independence.
There is no valid reason for the Selangor Sultan to issue the draconian decree to stop "Allah" from being loved by all in this world.
Hours after the decree Malaysia's opposition alliance, Pakatan Rakyat Malaysia (Malaysia Opposition Alliance) has taken a common stand that anyone could use the word "Allah" as long as it is not misused against the muslim community.
Today, the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) has declared courageously that it would continue to use the word "Allah" in the Malay version of the Bible as Malaysian Christians, including faithful devotees in Sabah and Sarawak, have been using the word in their Malay Bible and devotional life for centuries.
The Malaysian court has ruled that it is unlawful for the Malaysian Home Affairs Minister and relevant authorities to ban the Herald from using the word "Allah" and the ministerial ban that restricts its publication repressing freedom of religion.The appeal by the government against the ruling is still pending.
The twin ban by the Home Minister and Selangor Sultan must be lifted with immediate effect.
There is no basis for it in an enlightened civilization that promotes, enhances, strengthens and establishes Universal Love Global Humanity spreading, instilling and instituting loving kindness and compassion worldwide.
Please support concerned Malaysians in the righteous cause to stand up to basic human rights and press the government of Malaysia and the Selangor sultan to rectify the problem in religious interpretation, in particular, and the safeguard, preservation and protection of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and freedom of the press in free and fair open society in general.
Thank you for your kind understanding and suppport as global citizens acting in compassion over the calling of God "Allah" by those who love the Almighty One!
