KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim proposed to present a proposal to the Conference of Rulers in July 2023 to ban non-Muslims from using the word ‘Allah’ in the peninsula and impose conditional use for those in Sabah and Sarawak.
The issue is based on two contradictory directives issued by the Cabinet and Home Ministry in 1986.
The Attorney General’s Chambers has not appealed the High Court ruling, which is in line with the Rulers’ decision.
Anwar said, “There were differences in opinions among the people, some agreed that non-Muslims could be allowed to use the word ‘Allah’ in general but those were personal views,” Anwar said in reply to a question raised by Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) in Dewan Rakyat today.
He added, the Conference of Rulers will make the final decision on this matter.
According to Anwar the issue were based on two contradictory directives issued by the Cabinet and the Home Ministry in 1986.
Anwar explained before the decision to withdraw the appeal in the High Court was made the Attorney General’s Chambers had studied Jill Ireland’s case specifically on the administrative directives.
The Tambun Member of Parliament added, the government could proceed with the appeal but the same issue would arise due to the contradictory directives.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the Conference of Rulers was consulted prior to the government’s decision to withdraw the appeal.
He added, on 7th Feb. 2023 the Cabinet had decided to uphold the Ruler’s decision to ban non-Muslims in the peninsula from using the word ‘Allah’ and impose conditional use for those in Sabah and Sarawak.
However, he said, the decision of the Attorney General’s Chambers not to appeal (High Court ruling) is in line with the Rulers’ decision. –Malaysia World News
