A perusal of the records shows that both Najib (and the BN) and Pakatan Rakyat leadership are really not having different positions on the issue of the usage of the term 'Allah' by adherents of other religions in Malaysia.
But, when the Najib's BN government appealed the decision of the High Court, that was perceived as being contrary to the Prime Minister's and government's position - contrary also to the Najib's 10-point solution (see the letter in the report by Herald Malaysia pasted below)
I sincerely hope that Najib's government would withdraw the appeal, and all would be well in 1Malaysia...
Let's hope that there would be no one, be it from the Opposition, the ruling BN Coalition or others who will try to cloud the issue, by attempting to propagate the perception that they are better 'Defenders of Islam' than the government when the appeal is withdrawn.
Politicians in Malaysia, to woo voters or maybe just 'draw attention to themselves', have been guilty of this in the past, and there surely will be such persons or antics in the future. Now, it falls on Malaysians to 'remember' and reject such personalities and/or 'politicians' ...
Archbishop: Najib's solution on use of 'Allah' must hold
 |
Less
than two years' after the 2009 landmark Kuala Lumpur High Court
judgment that declared the ban on the use of the word ‘Allah' by the
Catholics as unconstitutional, the government came up with a 10 point
solution to resolve the issue once and for all.
Based on it, Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam (right), is questioning the continuation of the Home Ministry and government's appeal on the Herald which is pending at the Court of Appeal.
The 10 point solution, signed by Premier Najib Abdul Razak on April 11, 2011, had the agreement of the cabinet and was addressed to the Christian Federation of Malaysia chairperson, Ng Moon Hing.
In it, the government allows the importation and publication of bibles of all languages including Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia with the word ‘Allah' on it without any restrictions.
The Archbishop said Najib must have known of the landmark Dec 31, 2009 decision, before signing the 10 point solution.
Murphy, in his affidavit in support to strike out of the ministry and government's appeal which will be heard by the appellate court on Aug 22, states that bibles of all languages including the indigenous language of Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can be printed locally and imported.
The solution also states that in recognition of the 1Malaysia government initiative, there is no ban on the carrying of the bibles from Sabah and Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia and vice-versa.
"For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognising the large number of Christians there, there will be no requirement for any stamp or serial number be placed.
"However, for Peninsular Malaysia, taking into account of the larger Muslim community, the bibles must have the word ‘Christian publication' and the ‘cross' sign on it," said Murphy in the affidavit sighted by Malaysiakini.
"The Home Ministry secretary-general had been issued a directive to ensure proper implementation of the cabinet decision. Failure to comply will result in officers to face disciplinary action under the general orders provision."
The word ‘Allah' for god, he said, had been in use in the Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia, and the indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak bibles for a long time, and are among those referred to in the letter.
No security threat
"The solution also acknowledges that there is no national security and public order threat by the use of the word Allah by Christians, which also includes in publication."
"It also strengthens the High Court decision that the home ministry and government acted irrationally, unreasonably and defied all logic," said the archbishop in the affidavit.
Murphy further states that the April 11 document is a recognition of the landmark decision, and in light of the unequivocal representation to the Christian community, there is no legitimacy to proceed with the appeal.
Hence, the archbishop in the affidavit believes that the appeal had been superseded by the current position taken by the Home Ministry and government.
"Any decision by the court to hear the merits (of the appeal) will be a futility exercise with no particular benefit as the ministry and government, had taken a position which negates the appeal."
"Hence, the court ought not act and deliberate in the appeal as it renders the matter academic. This is a proper and fit case for the appeal to be struck off," said Murphy in ending his affidavit.
It was reported that the Archbishop's application to strike out the appeal will be heard on Aug 22.
Failing which, the hearing of the government's appeal will be heard on Sept 10 along with seven interveners from the various state Islamic councils and the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association.
Justice Lau Bee Lan (left) in her Dec 31, 2009 decision held that the word ‘Allah' is not exclusive to Islam in lifting the ban on the Herald publication.
The Herald is published in English, BM, Mandarin and Tamil. - Malaysiakini, 11/8/2013, Archbishop: Najib's solution on use of 'Allah' must hold
Based on it, Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam (right), is questioning the continuation of the Home Ministry and government's appeal on the Herald which is pending at the Court of Appeal.The 10 point solution, signed by Premier Najib Abdul Razak on April 11, 2011, had the agreement of the cabinet and was addressed to the Christian Federation of Malaysia chairperson, Ng Moon Hing.
In it, the government allows the importation and publication of bibles of all languages including Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia with the word ‘Allah' on it without any restrictions.
The Archbishop said Najib must have known of the landmark Dec 31, 2009 decision, before signing the 10 point solution.
Murphy, in his affidavit in support to strike out of the ministry and government's appeal which will be heard by the appellate court on Aug 22, states that bibles of all languages including the indigenous language of Iban, Kadazan-Dusun and Lun Bawang can be printed locally and imported.
The solution also states that in recognition of the 1Malaysia government initiative, there is no ban on the carrying of the bibles from Sabah and Sarawak to Peninsular Malaysia and vice-versa.
"For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognising the large number of Christians there, there will be no requirement for any stamp or serial number be placed.
"However, for Peninsular Malaysia, taking into account of the larger Muslim community, the bibles must have the word ‘Christian publication' and the ‘cross' sign on it," said Murphy in the affidavit sighted by Malaysiakini.
"The Home Ministry secretary-general had been issued a directive to ensure proper implementation of the cabinet decision. Failure to comply will result in officers to face disciplinary action under the general orders provision."
The word ‘Allah' for god, he said, had been in use in the Bahasa Malaysia/Bahasa Indonesia, and the indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak bibles for a long time, and are among those referred to in the letter.
No security threat
"The solution also acknowledges that there is no national security and public order threat by the use of the word Allah by Christians, which also includes in publication."
"It also strengthens the High Court decision that the home ministry and government acted irrationally, unreasonably and defied all logic," said the archbishop in the affidavit.
Murphy further states that the April 11 document is a recognition of the landmark decision, and in light of the unequivocal representation to the Christian community, there is no legitimacy to proceed with the appeal.
Hence, the archbishop in the affidavit believes that the appeal had been superseded by the current position taken by the Home Ministry and government.
"Any decision by the court to hear the merits (of the appeal) will be a futility exercise with no particular benefit as the ministry and government, had taken a position which negates the appeal."
"Hence, the court ought not act and deliberate in the appeal as it renders the matter academic. This is a proper and fit case for the appeal to be struck off," said Murphy in ending his affidavit.
It was reported that the Archbishop's application to strike out the appeal will be heard on Aug 22.Failing which, the hearing of the government's appeal will be heard on Sept 10 along with seven interveners from the various state Islamic councils and the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association.
Justice Lau Bee Lan (left) in her Dec 31, 2009 decision held that the word ‘Allah' is not exclusive to Islam in lifting the ban on the Herald publication.
The Herald is published in English, BM, Mandarin and Tamil. - Malaysiakini, 11/8/2013, Archbishop: Najib's solution on use of 'Allah' must hold
Najib on ‘Allah’ issuePublished on: January 18, 2013 at 17:35 PMKUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib wrote a letter to Bishop Ng Moon Hing, Chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) on April 11, 2011 to address the Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and other related issues.
In his letter the Prime Minister gave a Ten Point Solution. He reiterates the government’s commitment to work with the Christian groups and all the different religious groups in order to address interreligious issues and work towards the fulfilment of all religious aspirations in accordance with the constitution, taking into account the other relevant laws of the country.
He also gives his assurances of the government’s commitment in solving any religious issues in this country.Ten Point Solution to address the Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia Bible and other related issues.
PRIME MINISTER
MALAYSIA
11 April 2011
JPM.PEMANDU,600-231112011 (2)
Bishop Ng Moon Hing
Chairman
Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM)
As we are all aware, the impounding of the Bible in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia has triggered concerns and tensions within the country which we have to address urgently to prevent these from escalating any further. Consequently, we have been in discussion with the Christian Federation of Malaysia and other Christian groups to resolve the Bahasa Malaysia/lndonesia Bible and also other religious issues. Taking into account the polarity of views of the different religious groups, including Christians and Muslims, the Government decided on a Ten Point Solution.
On 2nd April 2011 the Government announced a Ten Point Solution to address the Bible issue and other related issues. I wish to confirm that this is a collective decision by the Cabinet.
The Ten Point Solution is as follows:
1. Bibles in all languages can be imported into the country, including Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia.
2. These Bibles can also be printed locally in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This is a new development which should be welcome by the Christian groups.
3. Bibles in indigenous languages of Sabah and Sarawak such as Iban, Kadazan¬Dusun and Lun Bawang can also be printed locally and imported.
4. For Sabah and Sarawak, in recognition of the large Christian community in these states, there are no conditions attached to the importation and local printing of the Bibles in all languages, including Bahasa Malaysia/ Indonesia and indigenous languages. There is no requirement for any stamp or serial number.
5. Taking into account the interest of the larger Muslim community, for Peninsula Malaysia, Bibles in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia, imported or printed, must have the words “Christian Publication” and the cross sign printed on the front covers.
6. In the spirit of 1Malaysia and recognising that many people travel between Sabah and Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia, there should be no prohibitions and restrictions for people who bring along their bibles and Christian materials on such travel.
7. A directive on the Bible has been issued by the Ketua Setiausaha (KSU) of the Home Ministry to ensure proper implementation of this cabinet decision. Failure to comply will subject the officers to disciplinary action under the General Orders. A comprehensive briefing by top officials, including the Attorney General (AG), will be given to all relevant civil servants to ensure good understanding and proper implementation of the directive (See Attachment 1).
8. For the impounded Bibles in Kuching, Gideon, the importer can collect all the 30,000 Bibles free of charge. We undertake to ensure the parties involved are reimbursed. The same offer remains available for the importer of the 5,100 Bibles in Port Kiang, which have already been collected by the Bible Society Malaysia (BSM) last week.
9. Beyond the Bible issue, the Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to work with the Christian groups and all the different religious groups in order to address interreligious issues and work towards the fulfilment of all religious aspirations in accordance with the constitution, taking into account the other relevant laws of the country. In order to bring urgency to this work, in my capacity as the Prime Minister, I will meet the representatives of the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) soon to discuss the way forward.
10. The Christian Ministers in the cabinet will meet on a regular basis with representatives of the various Christian groups in order to discuss their issues and work with the relevant Ministries and myself in order to resolve them. As the leader of this country, I wish to reiterate the Government’s commitment in solving any religious issues in this country. There is a need to manage polarities that exist in our society to achieve peace and harmony. I believe the best way to achieve this is through respect, tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation.
Yours sincerely,
DATO’ SRI MOHD NAJIB
(Prime Minister of Malaysia)
Published:
Thursday January 24, 2013 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Monday April 22, 2013 MYT 3:30:51 PM
Updated: Monday April 22, 2013 MYT 3:30:51 PM
Pakatan Rakyat firm on ‘Allah’ stance
PETALING JAYA: Pakatan
Rakyat’s stand on the use of the word “Allah” remains unchanged despite
PAS Syura Council’s decision that the word cannot be used to describe
God in any non-Muslim publications.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had read the Syura Council’s statement and understood its concerns but for now, Pakatan’s stand remains the same as the views given by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on the matter.
“We have not revised our stand following the Syura Council’s decision on this matter.
“It can be brought up for discussion but so far, there’s none,” Anwar said in a press conference yesterday.
On Jan 8, Hadi said that the word “Allah” is not restricted only to Muslims as Christians and Jews are also allowed to use it, but the name should not be used in a wrong and irresponsible manner that could jeopardise racial and religious harmony.
This was the common stand taken by PAS, DAP and PKR on the matter, following a lengthy discussion between Hadi, Anwar and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.
The PAS president’s statement echoed DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s Christmas message in which he said that non-Muslims should be allowed to use the word “Allah” in the Malay version of the Bible.
However, a week after Hadi publicly voiced the view, PAS’ Syura Council decided that the word “Allah” cannot be used to describe God, stating while the word was universal and had been used by pre-Islamic Arabs, it could not be used as the translation for the word “God” from any other language.- Star, 24/1/2013, Pakatan Rakyat firm on ‘Allah’ stance
PETALING JAYA - Majlis Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) hari ini mencapai pendirian penggunaan kalimah ALLAH boleh digunakan oleh penganut Kristian dengan syarat ia tidak disalahgunakan.
Keputusan tersebut diumumkan selepas mesyuarat pemimpin tertinggi PR yang dihadiri Presiden Pas, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang; Penasihat DAP, Lim Kit Siang dan Ketua Umum PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim semalam.
Pada sidang media selepas itu, Hadi berkata, Pas berpendirian konsisten seperti yang pernah dikeluarkan pada 4 Januari 2010 lalu di mana kalimah ALLAH tidak boleh diterjemahkan ke dalam mana-mana bahasa secara tepat....
.... “Walau bagaimanapun, Islam tidak menghalang penganut agama lain menggunakan kalimah ALLAH dalam amalan mereka walaupun tidak mencapai maksud asal bahasa al-Quran,” katanya[Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang].
Sementara itu, Anwar berkata, PKR dan DAP menyambut baik pendirian Pas dalam isu penggunaan kalimah ALLAH.
“Kenyataan Pas kita sambut baik dan ia selari dengan pendirian Islam. Oleh demikian, kita tidak halang namun dalam mesyuarat kita suarakan keprihatinan kita supaya tidak ada pihak mempermainkan isu ini.... - Sinar Harian, 8/1/2013, PR setuju bukan Islam guna kalimah ALLAH
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he had read the Syura Council’s statement and understood its concerns but for now, Pakatan’s stand remains the same as the views given by PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang on the matter.
“We have not revised our stand following the Syura Council’s decision on this matter.
“It can be brought up for discussion but so far, there’s none,” Anwar said in a press conference yesterday.
On Jan 8, Hadi said that the word “Allah” is not restricted only to Muslims as Christians and Jews are also allowed to use it, but the name should not be used in a wrong and irresponsible manner that could jeopardise racial and religious harmony.
This was the common stand taken by PAS, DAP and PKR on the matter, following a lengthy discussion between Hadi, Anwar and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang.
The PAS president’s statement echoed DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s Christmas message in which he said that non-Muslims should be allowed to use the word “Allah” in the Malay version of the Bible.
However, a week after Hadi publicly voiced the view, PAS’ Syura Council decided that the word “Allah” cannot be used to describe God, stating while the word was universal and had been used by pre-Islamic Arabs, it could not be used as the translation for the word “God” from any other language.- Star, 24/1/2013, Pakatan Rakyat firm on ‘Allah’ stance
PR setuju bukan Islam guna kalimah ALLAH
PETALING JAYA - Majlis Pimpinan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) hari ini mencapai pendirian penggunaan kalimah ALLAH boleh digunakan oleh penganut Kristian dengan syarat ia tidak disalahgunakan.
Keputusan tersebut diumumkan selepas mesyuarat pemimpin tertinggi PR yang dihadiri Presiden Pas, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang; Penasihat DAP, Lim Kit Siang dan Ketua Umum PKR, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim semalam.
Pada sidang media selepas itu, Hadi berkata, Pas berpendirian konsisten seperti yang pernah dikeluarkan pada 4 Januari 2010 lalu di mana kalimah ALLAH tidak boleh diterjemahkan ke dalam mana-mana bahasa secara tepat....
.... “Walau bagaimanapun, Islam tidak menghalang penganut agama lain menggunakan kalimah ALLAH dalam amalan mereka walaupun tidak mencapai maksud asal bahasa al-Quran,” katanya[Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang].
Sementara itu, Anwar berkata, PKR dan DAP menyambut baik pendirian Pas dalam isu penggunaan kalimah ALLAH.
“Kenyataan Pas kita sambut baik dan ia selari dengan pendirian Islam. Oleh demikian, kita tidak halang namun dalam mesyuarat kita suarakan keprihatinan kita supaya tidak ada pihak mempermainkan isu ini.... - Sinar Harian, 8/1/2013, PR setuju bukan Islam guna kalimah ALLAH
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