KOTA KINABALU: The Court of Appeal’s decision yesterday to prevent The Herald weekly from using “ Allah” in its Malay publication as reference to God has brought disappointment, shock and anger to the Malaysian Christian community, in particular to Sabah and Sarawak Christians who have been using the word for generations, according to DAP Sabah secretary and State assemblyman for Kapayan, Dr. Edwin Bosi.
Bosi said, the Court’s decision will tarnish Malaysia international image as a moderate nation and undermine the unity between the people of this beloved nation.
“Allah has been used for so long by the Sabah and Sarawak Christians and there has been no issue or problem, so how is it that its continued use can pose a threat to Islam?” Bosi asked.
When East Malaysian Christians have been using the Allah word for generations, how can it be said that the name ‘Allah’ is not an integral part of the faith and practice of Christianity, said Bosi, who is also chairman of DAP Sabah Native Consultative Council.
“I agree with Archbishop Bolly Lapok, chairperson of the Association of Churches, Sarawak when he said that the decision is repugnant to the universal common sense.
的 too share the sentiment of Bishop Dr Thomas Tsen, president of the Sabah Council of Churches, who has responded with these words: ‘We have always called our Father in Heaven ‘Allah Bapak’or the Lord God ‘Tuhan Allah’.. this is something that is very dear and deep in our hearts and cannot be changed. It is our right to choose how we want to worship our God, he said.
The shocking decision by the Court of Appeal must be challenged at the Federal Court level, Bosi said.