Political leaders urged to back signature campaign

(The Sabah Times) – Political leaders of the Christian faith in Sabah have been urged to support the current signature campaign appealing to the government to lift the ban on the usage of the word “Allah” in Christian publications.

Ronnie Klassen, an initiator of the campaign at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here yesterday noted that while there were Christian ministers from Sabah in both the federal and state cabinets, they appeared silent on the issue.

He also regretted that many civil servants of the Christian faith declined to sign the petition for fear of “repercussions”, even though they supported the campaign in spirit.

“As Christians, we must examine our faith and defend it when it is being oppressed in an unnecessary manner. Otherwise, we should not claim or identify ourselves as Christians,” he asserted.

Nonetheless, he was glad to note the overwhelming response towards the campaign from the Christian community in Sabah.

The total number of signatures collected thus far has exceeded 5,000 since it was officially launched on 3 March.

During the first session at the Sacred Heart Cathedral alone, a total of 1,800 signatures were collected.

“Response from the Christian community has been overwhelming and beyond expectation. Never did I imagine that the Christian community is determined to endorse this appeal. We are so moved by the support,” said Klassen adding that he and his committee were further encouraged by the comments from the petitioners.

He maintained that the ban on the usage of the word “Allah” in the Christian community was unconstitutional and absurd, citing that it had been used by people from other faiths for many centuries.

“I have uncles and aunties who are Muslims and we don’t have any problem or confusion over the use of the word ‘Allah’. While we each have our individual faiths, we still live in harmony,” he noted.

According to him, the campaign will last until March 29, after which the collected signatures will be attached to a memorandum and handed over to the Prime Minister.

Those who wish can also sign the petition online at www.PetitionOnline.com/sabahan/petition.html .