KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 — The Malay Rulers, at the two-day 220th meeting of the Conference of Rulers which concluded today, have taken note of the various requests, letters and memorandums from Muslim organisations and individuals in the country and have expressed their sadness over the translation of the word “God” to “Allah”.
A statement issued by the office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal today said the translation had caused much confusion and dissatisfaction among the people of Malaysia, particularly Muslims.
“This issue, unless resolved immediately, will undermine the sanctity of Islam and, possibly, security and public order as well,” it said.
The statement pointed out that Article 3 of the Federal Constitution provided for Islam to be the country’s official religion and the Malay Rulers to be the heads of religion in the states of the country.
“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.
“The Malay Rulers give the undertaking to fulfill their responsibility to protect the sanctity and status of Islam,” it said.
The statement also said that the Malay Rulers felt that the incidents of damaging houses of worship were very dangerous acts of provocation which should never be allowed to take place.
“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,” it said.
In the statement, the Malay Rulers recorded their appreciation for the Royal Malaysia Police for their effectiveness in acting professionally to control the situation in maintaining security and public order.
“The Malay Rulers well understand the heavy responsibility they (the police) have to face, and urge that the efforts of the security forces in maintaining public order be fully supported,” it said.
The statement said the Malay Rulers took note that the issue over the use of the word “Allah” by the Catholic weekly magazine, Herald, was under consideration by the Court of Appeal.
The 220th meeting of the Conference of Rulers, which was chaired by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, discussed among other things matters related to religion, defence, security, and the appointment of judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal as well as members of the Education Service Commission. — Bernama
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