©The New Straits Times (Used by permission)
by Jeong Chun Phuoc, Kuala Lumpur
THE arguments for and against the use of "Allah" by non–Muslims have reached a new height in racial harmony and inter–faith integrity.
The Rulers (Selangor's decision on the issue is based on the sultan's decree, NST, Jan 2), Fatwa Council, religious councils, and politicians (Stop disputing over 'Allah issue' NST, Jan 4) have given their views on this matter.
The peninsula background on the use of the term was historically alluded to in two articles –– "Comply with court ruling" (NST, Oct 28, 2013), and "Allah doesn't apply to Christian concept" (NST, Jan 22).
Mediative efforts by various parties –– Cool heads needed to resolve "Allah issue" (NST, Jan 5) and "Dr M: It would not hurt Christians to not use the word Allah" (NST, Jan 1) –– to uphold common ground under the "one racial integrity framework" must be advocated, but many have not appreciated the defining role of the judiciary.
We have to look at the matter from the legal perspective of racial harmony and the rule of law.
The first reference is the judgment by the High Court (Dec 31, 2009), and second, the judgment by the Court of Appeal (Oct 14, 2013) by presiding judges Datuk Seri Mohamed Apandi Ali, Abdul Aziz Rahim and Zawawi Salleh.
Many believers of the rule of law understood its primary sanctity as exemplified by independence of the judiciary where citizens must learn to understand and appreciate the decisions of the courts.
In the words of the writer ("Comply with court ruling") –– when the decision was in favour of them, they were elated.
Now that the shoe is on the other foot, they are insinuating that the courts are biased. They have forgotten that it was the church that took the matter to the courts in the first place. They must now comply with the judgment.
Apandi was of the view that there were no infringements of any of the constitutional rights and such usage would cause confusion within the community.
The Court of Appeal had taken seriously the arguments put forward by both parties and had reached a fair and objective decision.
Justice can only be achieved if all citizens learn to uphold the decision by an independent judiciary under the able administration of Chief Justice Tun Arifin Zakaria, who continues the judiciary transformation legacy of Tun Zaki Azmi (former Chief Justice of Malaysia).