The Straits Times
Muslim groups in Malaysia had asked the government to launch an appeal against the court ruling.PHOTO: REUTERS
PublishedMar 15, 2021, 6:12 pm SGT
https://str.sg/Jjzq
They can read the article in full after signing up for a free account.
Share link:
Or share via:
Sign up or log in to read this article in full
Sign up
All done! This article is now fully available for you
Read now
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month for the first 3 months.
including the ST News Tablet worth $398.
Sunday, 14 Mar 2021 09:06 PM MYT
BY ASHMAN ADAM
The alliance of Malay Muslim civil society groups expressed shock and disappointment at the ruling. Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on news you need to know.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 An alliance of Malay Muslim civil society groups urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to appeal the High Court’s recent decision to allow the use of the word “Allah” in Christian publications.
The
Vibes reported that the alliance Pertubuhan-Pertubuhan Pembela Islam (Pembela) also wanted the ministry to issue a new circular forbidding the use of the word if the appeal is granted.
Malaysian court: use of Allah by Christians not unlawful
In a landmark ruling, a Malaysian High Court has overturned a government ban on the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims, saying it conflicted with the constitutional rights of religious freedom.
By Robin Gomes
Following a legal battle that dragged on for more than a decade, Malaysia’s High Court ruled on Wednesday that the use of Islamic words including “Allah” by Christians and other non-Muslim communities in the country is not unlawful. Non-Muslims can also use three words for religious and educational purposes including prayers, publications and religious services.
1986 Home Ministry directive
Malaysia s High Court ruled Wednesday that a 1986 law banning Christians from using the word Allah to refer to their God infringes on their right to religion, and is unconstitutional.