KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - A church in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur was firebombed early on Friday, gutting the first storey of the building in a residential area, amid a row over the use of the word "Allah" for the Christian God.
"It is confirmed that Desa Melawati church was burnt, at about 12.25 am in the morning. There were no fatalities. We are investigating the incident and suspect foul play," said Kuala Lumpur Chief Police Officer Mohammad Sabtu Osman.
A court ruling last week allowing Catholic newpaper The Herald to use "Allah" for the Christian God has been appealed by the government of the mainly Muslim nation of 28 million people.
The issue has threatened relations between the majority Malay Muslim population and the minority ethnic Chinese and Indian populations who practise a range of religions including Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Malaysian Muslims, who account for around 60 percent of the population, are set to protest on Friday against the ruling.
The church that was burned on Friday was part of a group called "The Assembly of God".
Many churches in Malaysia are situated in residential or retail areas and often occupy a small lot.
According to 2007 statistics, there are 333 Assembly of God churches in Malaysia.
"There are witness reports two persons on a motorbike came near the entrance and hurled in something looking like a petrol bomb. Our church is 90 percent gutted (on the first floor)," said church spokesman Kevin Ang from the Metro Tabernacle Assembly of God.
It is illegal for non-Muslims to proselytise to Muslims although freedom of worship for the mainly Buddhist, Christian and Hindu religious minorities who make up 40 percent of the population is guaranteed under the country's constitution.
The use of "Allah" has been common among non-English speaking Malaysian Christians in the Borneo island states of Sabah and Sarawak for decades and without any incident.
(Reporting by Niluksi Koswanage; Writing by David Chance; Editing by Louise Ireland)

written by Rainbowseahorse, January 09, 2010 00:11:03
Yes indeed there are quite a number of idiotic Malayans in MT.
Main reason i joined this blog is because I thought bloggers in MT are a united front for a change in the bloody corrupted bad diseased BN government which are made up of mostly Malayans who are elected into office by Malayans.
But it seem from the day I joined MT, I am constantly defending Sabah from ignorant Malayans who have absolutely no fuking idea about out State and politics, but who will open their big fuking mouth and write totally idiotic remarks like they are so fuking smart. They don't even know that Sabah was the second opposition held State after Kelantan, and that we Sabahans stood alone for 8 long years while these ignorant Malayans went about their business while we are being fuked totally by THEIR mamakthir & DSAI.
At times, I really-really get so exasperated by these ignorant Malayans in MT that I feel like saying: "Ok, you m*****Fukers, we are in no better situation then before, so we don't need you and you fukers will be fuked personally by me when your half baked PKR come calling".
I just wish that those Malayans in MT will support us more instead keeping silent while their idiots keep on churning out rubbish writings about Sabah & Sarawak time and again.
We Sabahans really don't need them! So if they seem hell bend on making an enemy out of us, so be it!
I have no regrets for the things I do, but I do have many regrets for the things I did not do. So, if you Malayans want to play hard ball, bring it on!
written by carlitos, January 08, 2010 22:32:27
written by Rainbowseahorse, January 08, 2010 20:21:30
Sabahans & Sarawakians, this is the price you all are paying for VOTING them in the last GE. Please remember to VOTE wisely in the next GE!!!!
Najib is laughing all the way to the Bank because he claims that Sabahans & Sarawakians are his *FIX DEPOSIT*!!!!!
All the Sickos!!!!! "
You stupid Malayan A*****e is speaking from your arse!
Now you blaming us Sabahans & Sarawakians for the troubles / unrest / racist attitude caused by YOUR Malayans fanatics under YOUR Malayan Prime Minister, YOUR Malayan Deputy PM, YOUR Malayan Home Minister, YOUR Malayan IGP...and the rest of ALL YOUR Malayan corrupted Ministers. Malayans like YOU ARE the ones who keep putting these corrupted and rotten politicians into office. Malayans like yourself are the first to blame others for your own stupidity and being idiotic in voting for these same olf politicians over and over again for over 50 years.
We Sabahans stood ALONE for 8 long years as an opposition State, and where were Malayans like you during those years?
You still have 6 Malayan States who have totally no balls and desire to kick out the BN. Go tell your own Malayans to have the balls to kick out this corrupted & diseased government.
written by betasigma, January 08, 2010 19:10:01
written by KetamPadang, January 08, 2010 15:35:25
written by jalapeno, January 08, 2010 15:22:16
written by Lucius, January 08, 2010 14:31:32
written by kksam, January 08, 2010 14:30:46
written by a guest, January 08, 2010 13:54:27
written by rocky, January 08, 2010 11:33:43
written by Ocassey, January 08, 2010 10:52:26
ARSONISTS DIRECTED BY UNSEEN HANDS HAVE NOW ELEVATED THEMSELVES TO A HIGHER LEVEL OF PERPETRATION TOWARDS THEIR OWN "ONE GOD" WHO ALSO RECIDES IN EVERYONE OF THE HUMAN RACE , OUR BODIES WHICH ARE "HIS" TEMPLES, AND PLACES OF WORSHIPS ARE ALL HOUSES OF GOD !
DO NOT FORGET THAT THE SULUWESI PRINCE HAD JUST RETURNED TO FIND HIS ROOTS AND TO RE-ESTABLISH HIS LINKS.
UPON HIS RETURN TO MALAYSIA THE FIRST CHURCH IS NOW GUTTED . IN HIS HOME SULUWESI, CHURCHES WERE BOMBED, MAIMING AND KILLING WORSHIPERS WITHIN AND CHRISTIANS WITHOUT ,TOO, WERE SLAUGHTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SAME "ONE ALMIGHTY".
TO ALL SANE MALAYSIANS, WE HAVE BEEN FOREWARNED IN 1969.
NOW, THE SON WITH ALL HIS AGENTS EVERY WHERE IN HIGH AND POWERFUL PLACES, HAVE JUST UNLEASHED HIS EVILS TOWARDS THE CHILDREN OF THE "ONE ALMIGHTY".
IT HAS TO BE THE SON OF "666" WHO WILL BE BRAVE AND ARROGANT ENOUGH TO CHALLENGE AND INTIMIDATE GOD FEARING AND GOD LOVING PEOPLES. WE HAVE MORE THAN ONE ANTICHRIST IN MALAYSIA.
WE HAVE YET TO PASS SODOM AS THE JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE AND ALREADY WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE STATE OF GOMMORAH. THESE FENOMENAS CAN ONLY HAPPEN IN THE 21st CENTURY.
GOD PROMISED TO DESTROY THOSE TWO CITIES AND THAT "HE" DID. 1LADY WILL BE TURNED INTO A STATUE OF SALT AS NO WAY SHE CAN ESCAPE THE WRAFT OF THE ALMIGHTY.
THE SELF-DESTRUCT BUTTON IN MALAYSIA HAS JUST BEEN PRESSED BY THE SON OF SATAN ON THIS VERY MORNING AND THE HEAVENS IS MOURNING SINCE THEN AND IS STILL POURING !!!
written by kclim, January 08, 2010 10:46:55
Where is the government? In civilised societies we have law and order and government caring for the people's welfare. We can understand if this is Afghanistan where the Taliban demolished the statures of other religions. But this is Malaysia. We have the tallest twin towers in the world. We have Formula 1 cars racing around. We send astronauts into outer space. We believe we have great leaders that make us stand out in this world, compared to most Asian and African countries.
But then again a couple of rogue citizens burning down a church is not representative of our national behaviour. However enforcing the law and quick apprehension of the culprits is the duty of those in power. It would be un-Malaysian to right what is wrong. Act now before this disease spreads like the menace of hand bag snatch thiefs which the authorities seem powerless to act. They are fixated on "terrorists" and threats to "national security". ISA and OSA are our national holy scriptures for self preservation.
Let us see if our leaders have the civilised mentality , moral and religious obligations to do what is right in the eyes of their very own God. Do not mix politics with religion as it is a very explosive cocktail. God bless Malaysia.
written by arazak, January 08, 2010 10:40:20
They are digging their own graves an throwing themselves in hell-fire.
Next GE they will be burried and send to hell. . .!
written by gindow, January 08, 2010 10:35:06
Najib is laughing all the way to the Bank because he claims that Sabahans & Sarawakians are his *FIX DEPOSIT*!!!!!
All the Sickos!!!!!
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 10:22:42
written by Wisdom above, January 08, 2010 10:12:14
Were these the same guys that firebombed UMNO BN women minister Dato Shirarat home last year ?
Let's Seek Divine intervention from above to flood the minds and hearts of all Malaysian with the PEACE and WISDOM from above. Please by all means FORGIVE THEM for their trangressions ! It may sound silly !
So Let's Fast and Pray in the SPIRIT for Wisdom, Revelation, Peace and Tranquility to prevail. SABM.
written by capricorn, January 08, 2010 10:06:35
written by rocky, January 08, 2010 10:02:09
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 09:50:58
Now Najib, you try to contain this. Still want FDI? Sorrylah, this countyry's government condones and supports criminals.
written by StevenO, January 08, 2010 09:48:24
Demand that your wakil rakyat leave BN and remember the insult hurl at you and the attack on your religion! Don't ever vote BN/UMNO again!!
written by batsman, January 08, 2010 09:46:05
Opposition parties depend on donations from sympathizers to a large degree. No use saying PAS and PKR should donate money when the public is stingy with their own donations to opposition parties.
Further, UMNO is not using dirty tactics because it is doomed to fail and be exposed for all to see. There is a certain confusion even amongst PAS and PKR members. This way, by playing divide and rule, UMNO hopes to rally more Malays to its cause.
I hope you can see the limitations of opposition parties. Without more support and more money, etc. Its activities become more limited. With limited activities, its discipline suffers. Therefore opposition parties will have some difficulty responding to your suggestions.
I hope people understand that and throw their support wholeheartedly behind opposition parties. This is the best way to block UMNO from undertaking more dirty tricks.
written by justice seeker, January 08, 2010 09:44:18
THIS IS ALL BUT A DIVERSION BY NAJIS REGIME TO TAKE THE HEAT FROM
HIS SCANDAL RIDDEN GOMEN.
written by tanakwagu09, January 08, 2010 09:33:34
After this, thanks to this two fella, all the muslim flipinos & indons that makes up to 40% of all the muslim in sabah will join the fun of demonstrating & protesting as if they are born here...cheiiss!!
written by bambooman, January 08, 2010 09:32:03
written by Aria, January 08, 2010 09:28:45
written by Pegasus, January 08, 2010 09:15:29
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 09:14:41
You know what PAS and PR leaders should do is to visit the church site and offer help, even financial help to restore the church premise. This will rub salt on the shameless UMNO goons.
PAS and Muslim PKR leaders, if you are listening- this is the offensive we are talking about. Everytime UMNO religious extrimists starts a " religious fire", you guys put it out with conduct that will win admiration not only from Malaysians of all faiths but the world as well. Don't think only Malaysians read MT. In a world filled with strife and hatred between bigots, Muslim ,Christians, Hindus and Buddhist leaders must lead the way in demonstrating tolerance and compassion. In that way God Almighty will be glorified.
written by hkh, January 08, 2010 09:11:38
It is now pouring in Kuala Lumpur ( Friday, 9am).
Hope that it will continue til evening.
How to demonstrate? No need even for FRU to spray water.
written by albert zacharias, January 08, 2010 09:11:06
One church, what next? Zimbabwee in the making?
What happens if a mosque is damaged by outsiders? Police will start arresting people man!
A church gets torch and nothing gets done. No body was arrested and no precautions taken. Police must now deploy at leat 1 personnel at each church 24x7!
written by Alice, January 08, 2010 09:10:35
written by Awang Kuku, January 08, 2010 08:35:24
written by RiverThames, January 08, 2010 08:31:24
When the F**ked up PM and Home Minister have clearly given the go-ahead signal by issuing irresponsible statements, more will be allowed to happen.
If the F**ked up PM has any little brains left, he should declare the proposed demonstration ILLEGAL.
Unless, of course, he wants to start something like his father did in 1969.
written by 2012, January 08, 2010 08:24:35
and exposed UMNO wrongdoings and their brand of Islam...
This news by Reuters is going international and thats the final nail
in the coffin for M'sia's reputations..
written by jokersland, January 08, 2010 08:15:11
written by mountain man, January 08, 2010 08:05:31
written by gindow, January 08, 2010 08:04:57
CNN,BBC,Al Jazerah, please be there to video the stupidity of those morons!!!
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 08:02:41
The truth is - it started with UMNO. It is a political play not a religious issue.
You are definitely spot on my friend. It then is a stroke of genius of PAS to quickly disassociate and distance itself from joining in the fray. PAS must now go on the offensive to show the non-muslims that it is the better alternative to represent the majority of muslims in the country. Rally against UMNO. Look at the gatherings organised by UMNO in extremist activities. It is getting smaller and smaller. What does this tell us all? They are losing support whereas more non-muslims are supporting PAS and PKR. PAS members and msulsim PKR memebrs must not be manipulated into being made the scape-goat like in the Past. Please tread cautiously.
written by batsman, January 08, 2010 07:50:09
written by batsman, January 08, 2010 07:48:31
written by earthman, January 08, 2010 07:43:26
As by the fruits of the tree we shall know the tree is good or not. By our action we reveal our true self. it is when we are angry, our true self is reveal.
To the Muslim leaders who walk in truth and peace , please educate the peoplel and lead them to the Truth. The Truth that will set us free. Free to live in peace and harmony. Nothing could be added or subtracted from this Truth. That is the Way . That is Live.
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 07:40:22
written by SpeakOut, January 08, 2010 07:38:17
written by mikewang, January 08, 2010 07:25:16
Install CCTV or webcam to all approaches to your places of worship with the cooperation of the neighbourhood.
It is sad that while East Malaysians remain tolerant, those in the west are fanned by a government which has lost all its sense of governance.




















Come to think of it, we are proud to call ourselves SABAHANS, but when we call those from the Peninsular MALAYANS, it seem like they are offended...like it is an insult.
This clearly demonstrate we Sabahans willingly identify with where we come from, while they are ashamed of their identity.
Oh yah, I just notice there is another idiot Malayan by the name of StevenO in MT and he got 21 votes for being an idiot while that arsehole gindow got 49 votes. Wow! This clearly shows that their kind are fully in support of their own idiots.
Birds of a feather flock together...just like their UMNO which is home based in Malaya.