S’wak Christian BN leaders rebel
Administration remains cautious, refusing to comment on the banning of Christians from using ‘Allah’ in their prayers until it sees the written judgment
(FMT) – KUCHING: Christian BN leaders here have rebelled and declared that they will continue to mouth the term “Allah” in their worship irrespective of the latest ruling by the Court of Appeal barring its use.
Whilst BN leaders in Sabah have kept mum, in Sarawak the affront has been widely reported.
The majority of Sarawak’s population are Christians while in Sabah although on record Christians are a minority, in reality many of the outwardly Muslims are closet practitioners.
Many here are in shock over the court ruling, especially since Umno-BN’s hold in Putrajaya is hugely dependent on Borneo MPs.
Senior Minister James Masing called the decision the “second” misjustice by the judicial system which he alleged was ignorant of the socio-cultural and economic situation in Borneo.
Masing was referring to an earlier court decision on native customary rights (NCR) land sale.
“As a Christian I’m sad to know of the court ruling. The court must understand that Christians in Sarawak have used Allah for over 100 years in Sarawak.
“The court must realise that the the word Allah predates Islam. We must not politice religion,” said Masing reminding those in power that history remembers that the most vicious wars were fought in the name of religion.
“We must never allow it to happen here in Malaysia,” said Masing who heads Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
PRS Youth chief Liwan Lagang, who is also assistant minister, said the people of Sarawak and Sabah were promised the right to practise their religion when courted for the formation of Malaysia.
“So we expect the federal government to abide by the Federal Constitution which guarantees religious freedom,” he stressed.
Meanwhile a former Sarawak federal Minister, who is still politically influential, said the ruling will not stop Christians in Sarawak from using the term.
Said Leo Moggie:”We will continue to use the word in reverence in our prayers.”
Both Masing’s and Moggie’s comments comes on the heels of dismissive remarks from ruling Muslim leaders.
Nothing to do with Sabah and Sarawak?
A senior minister in Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s administration claims the Court of Appeal decision had “nothing to do with” Sarawak and Sabah.
Abang Johari Abang Openg, who is state tourism minister, said: “The ruling was made by the Court of Appeal. For Sarawak and Sabah, I don’t think it is an issue.”
Sarawak’s Minister for Islamic Affairs Daud Abdul Rahman, however, was less dismissive.
“(As of now) we are not yet certain of the effect of the ruling. I’m still waiting for the written judgment. In the meantime we just accept the verdict. I request the Christian community to remain calm and not to be over-emotional over the matter.
“I’m sure the problem could be solved amicably as we do not want this issue to create any tension between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Sarawak or Sabah,” he told reporters.
When asked further if the decision will affect support for BN in the next state election due by 2016, Daud said: “It would”.
