What an interesting way to start off the year 2010, eh? Another amazing display of the lackluster Malaysian governance!
Allah issue: PM urges calm while Govt appeals court’s decision
"PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak urged Muslims to remain calm over the High Court decision to allow the Catholic weekly, Herald, to use the word ‘Allah’ in its publication.
He said the Home Ministry would appeal the court’s decision and that he would keep the Rulers briefed.
The usage of the word Allah should be decided upon by the process of the law, he said.
"The Government is fully aware of the people's concern particularly Muslims all over the country, judging from various reactions received.
"This is a very sensitive issue and I truly understood the pressing situation which has stoked their feelings and emotions.
"I hope the situation will not be aggravated further and the Government does not encourage any demonstration or gathering to be held," he told reporters Sunday after presenting incentives to pupils in the Pekan constituency who excelled in the UPSR examinations last year.
On Thursday, the High Court allowed the Herald to use the word Allah.
Judge Lau Bee Lan had ruled that usage of the word was constitutional as long as the periodical was confined to educate the followers of the Christian faith.
Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said he would brief Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on the matter soon and with his consent, the issue would be discussed at the coming Conference of Rulers.
He expressed the hope for the issue to be resolved in an "intelligent" manner through the process of the court.
"After all, there is still avenue to appeal against the judgment through the Courts of Appeal and Federal Court.
"We do not want issue to be blown out of proportion," he said, adding that the Government viewed the matter seriously and would adopt the proper channels to end the debacle.
Earlier, Najib received a memorandum from about 30 representatives of non-governmental organisations led by Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia deputy president Amidi Abdul Manan.
Amidi, who claimed he represented some 20 NGOs, wanted the Home Ministry to file an appeal promptly to allay the anxiety of the Muslims in the country.
He also urged all parties to respect the fatwa made by National Fatwa Council that the word Allah was exclusive to the Islamic religion."
Once again, the simple-mindedness of certain groups in Malaysia throws the entire 1Malaysia concept into a meaningless, hollow phrase that fails to highlight and address to the most pressing issue of the moment: national unity.
Considering the gravity of the situation to certain groups, I believe that our leaders should respond differently to this issue by protecting the interests of all parties at all times! The way the Government responds by labeling this as an ultra-sensitive issue belittles the faith of Malaysian Muslims as so fragile.
Probably politicians need to learn a thing or two about UPHOLDING THE LAW. If politicians themselves don't set an example, who are YOU to ask the public to abide to the Law?
Kudos to Khairy Jamaluddin though, for at least acknowledging the existence of of Catholic sensitivities and called for dialogue between the National Fatwa Council and the Catholic Herald publishers to resolve the issue. (Source: The Nut Graph)
Credit also goes to Marina Mahathir for her assertions that confident Muslims should be unfazed by the buzz surrounding this issue. In her blog, she wrote about an interesting piece of news.
Source: Rantings by MM
The thing is this: is there some political benefit that can be gained by causing this entire uproar? What can one gain from cultivating fresh blood that exhibits a culture of ignorance and selfishness? Or has our present government lost its edge and its sight?
The diminishing light of tolerance, what more, acceptance among the different races in Malaysia is evident. However, misuse of public funds, money politics, crime, heavy inflation of everyday goods and political card plays are greatly portrayed. Truly, we are what defines 'first-class infrastructure, third-class mentality'.
We have hit our lowest following the recent arson attack on churches.
We can ask many questions on how this could occur and on who is to blame. We can conclude, we can surmise. Many have informed us on the substantive points of theology and history on the matter, representing concerted efforts to either validate or vilify the recent High Court decision allowing the Herald to use the word 'Allah'.
Over the next few days, there will be cries espousing the will of the silent, and peaceful, majority. But the actions of a few shall determine the lot of many; such is the economy of our passive nationalism.
And sticking out like a sore thumb will inevitably be the growing gap between members of our Malaysian society. Efforts to increase inclusiveness amongst ourselves have led to a defence of traditional exclusiveness. The more we pull, the more they push.
The result is not more so revealed today since the revelation of a struggle for unity lauded by the highest echelons of government.
That we wake to news of ruined structures of faith and worship occasioned by a struggle rooted in the ownership of concepts and ideas of human creation, is truly miserable, and unworthy in the eyes of any judge, earthly or divine.
We have fallen far."
The silver lining behind this cloud is that so many others alike me who weep for Malaysia. 1Malaysia, to sum up, is everything spoken but nothing done.
I may be a little too optimistically naive, but perhaps a much needed genuine reform will be established based on our hopes and criticism? If worse comes to worse, probably this is the only way to get things done: PM told to quit over 'Allah' controversy.
For because, this whole 'controversy' is the ultimate test for the governance of BN - in which they have failed TERRIBLY.
It is indeed a sad day for Malaysia.
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