Effect of ‘Allah’ ban on state depends on written judgement, says Daud

RELIGIOUS CHARITY: Daud handing over the sacrifi cial meat to one of the recipients.

KUCHING: Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman says he is still waiting for the written judgement of the Court of Appeal on its decision to bar the use of “Allah” to refer to God by non Muslims before making any decision on the effect of the ruling on the state.

He was responding to a question on whether the ban of the word for non Muslims would be extended to the state after the handing over of sacrificial meat to villagers of Kampung Pinang Jawa here in conjunction with the Hari Raya Korban celebration at Attaqwa mosque yesterday

‘I am still waiting for the writ ten judgment so in the meantime we just accept the verdict. I request the Christian community to remain calm and not to be emotional over the matter. I am sure the problem could be solved amicably as we do not want this issue to create any tension between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Sarawak or Sabah.”

He assured that t he BN government would look into ways in solving the situation.

When asked if the extension of the ban on the use of ‘Allah’ among non-Muslims to the state would jeopardize the support of Christians for Barisan Nasional, Daud admitted that this issue if not resolved would have an effect on their support to the state government.

He again reiterated that the government would look into the matter and advised the community to be patient.

Meanwhile, he brushed aside speculations that controversy surrounding the Allah issue is tied to the coming Umno convention.

Daud who is Tupong assemblyman stressed that the judiciary is independent and was not influenced by any political party when making decisions.

Daud also cautioned against rumours that Umno influenced the court’s decision in its attempt to disrupt the religious and racial harmony in the state.

“Don’t be misled Umno had nothing to do with the decision. It would be unwise of them too because breaking down the harmony and unity of people in Sarawak will be a loss to the BN government.

“The judges are people of integrity who made fair decisions. We would have to accept their decision whether we like it or not. The Judiciary department is independent body and they are free to make their own decision,” he said. - theborneopost