KUALA LUMPUR, June 8 – The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has agreed to bring the matter of the usage of the word “ALLAH” to the Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) in August. This decision comes before the issue is formally presented to the Council of Rulers (MRR) in October, as revealed by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah stated that he had discussed the matter with Prime Minister Anwar, who provided a briefing on the government’s decision to withdraw the appeal in the recent case related to the issue.
The Sultan was also informed of the government’s commitment to seek guidance from the Council of Rulers in formulating policies regarding the use of the word “ALLAH.” Expressing his viewpoint, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah emphasized that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) had also agreed that the matter should be first deliberated at the MKI. This is in line with the council’s role of advising the Malay Rulers on matters concerning the governance of the Islamic religion at the federal level.
The Sultan further highlighted the urgency of resolving the religious sensitivities associated with the issue, urging the government to address it responsibly and wisely. As the Chairman of MKI, Sultan Sharafuddin believes that the council’s opinions hold significance in shaping the final policy on the usage of the word “ALLAH,” which will be presented to the Council of Rulers. In light of this, he called upon all parties to respect the provisions of the Federal Constitution, which safeguard the rights and authority of the Malay Rulers in matters pertaining to the Islamic religion.
Sultan Sharafuddin emphasized the importance of handling the issue with utmost care, taking into account the Federal Constitution’s recognition of Islam as the country’s official religion while preserving the rights of individuals to profess and practice their respective faiths. In his statement from Istana Alam Shah, Sultan Sharafuddin appealed to all parties to refrain from politicizing or reopening debates on the matter until a final decision is reached by the Council of Rulers.
This approach is necessary to ensure the preservation of social harmony in Malaysia and to guarantee stability in both the social and economic spheres, added His Majesty. The referral of the “Kalimah ALLAH” issue to the MKI signifies a significant step in the ongoing discussion surrounding the usage of the word, as stakeholders seek a comprehensive and informed resolution while upholding the principles of religious harmony and constitutional rights.
