Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim
KUALA LUMPUR: No one should be overzealous when expressing their views with regard to the High Court’s decision to allow use of the word ‘Allah’ in the Herald, a Catholic weekly.
Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatimsaid overzealous views and opinions expressed by various bodies and people can be detrimental to the harmony of the country.
“Moreover, the issue is not new… it is an old issue… sowe must be patient and follow the process of appeal that will be handled by the relevant authorities,” he told reporters after attending a Sorakan Gema Cahaya programme here on Saturday night.
Last Thursday, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur declared that the Herald canuse the word ‘Allah’ in its Catholic weekly publication and that the Home Minister’s order banning its use was illegal, null and void.
Judge Datuk Lau Bee Lian had ruled that usage of the term was constitutional as long as the periodical was confined to educate the followers of the Christian faith.
Meanwhile, Rais also said that a decision on whether Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) would broadcast the 2010 World Cup hosted by SouthAfrica, would be known soon as his ministry was waitingfor approval from the Treasury. — Bernama