In Malaysia the Malay Rulers have just concluded their 220th meeting of the Conference of Rulers. One issue that came up for discussion was the ruling on New Year’s Eve by High Court Judge Lau Bee Lan that the word “Allah” is not exclusive to Muslims and that the Roman Catholic newpaper, The Herald, can continue to use that term. That ruling, which upset many Muslims and which resulted in a string of mostly harmless attacks on churches, mosques, prayer halls, etc has now been suspended pending the outcome of an appeal by the Government. But this Conference of Rulers has given the Malay rulers the platform and the opportunity to have their say on this matter.
The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal issued a statement which says: “This issue, unless resolved immediately, will undermine the sanctity of Islam and, possibly, security and public order as well.” And it goes on to say: ”The Malay Rulers give the undertaking to fulfill their responsibility to protect the sanctity and status of Islam.”
Then referring to Article 3 of the Federation Constitution, the statements says: “The Malay Rulers have the responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty and sanctity of Islam as the official religion of the country without neglecting the rights and religious freedom of the other races.”
And then referring to the attacks on places of worship, the statement says: ”These treacherous acts driven by emotion must be stopped because all religions do not condone but condemn such acts. These are criminal acts which should be contained firmly and immediately.”
What exactly does Article 3 of the Federation Constitution say? Article 3(1) says: “Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation.”
Think about it. The Allah ruling has divided Malaysians. Now the Malay Rulers have spoken. And they have noted also that the case is pending a further ruling at the Court of Appeal. How will this case be resolved? Will it be through the court? Or, as indicated by some Ministers, will it be resolved through dialogue?
Related posts
Malaysia – Judge Rules Allah Name Not Exclusive To Islam
Malaysia – Government Filed Appeal On Allah Ruling
Allah Ruling – Stay Of Execution Granted
Allah Ruling – What Is The Crux Of The Unrest?
Allah Ruling – To Appeal Or Not?
Allah Ruling _ A Middle East Perspective
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