"Muslim group says it will hold 'mega demonstration' if priest does not apologise - The Star/Asia News Network Jan 05, 2014
KLANG - A coalition of Muslim non-governmental organisations, Klang Muslim Solidarity Secretariat, gathered at the Sultan Sulaiman Stadium on Sunday to protest the use of the word "Allah" by Christians.
UMNO Kapar division deputy chief Datuk Saroni Judi said Sunday that Father Lawrence must apologise or face a "mega-demonstration" displaying their dissatisfaction.
The issue came to the fore after the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) officers raided and seized 351 copies of Bahasa Malaysia and Iban language versions of the Bible which contained the word 'Allah' from the Bible Society of Malaysia on Thursday.
"This is us Muslims giving our support to Jais to conduct raids and uphold the law against churches so that the latter complies with state laws," Saroni said.
The coalition was protesting a statement allegedly made by Catholic priest and editor of The Herald weekly Father Lawrence Andrew, who had reportedly said that churches in Selangor would continue to use the word 'Allah' in reference to God in their weekend services.
UMNO Kapar division deputy chief Datuk Saroni Judi said Sunday that Father Lawrence must apologise or face a "mega-demonstration" displaying their dissatisfaction.
The issue came to the fore after the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) officers raided and seized 351 copies of Bahasa Malaysia and Iban language versions of the Bible which contained the word 'Allah' from the Bible Society of Malaysia on Thursday.
"This is us Muslims giving our support to Jais to conduct raids and uphold the law against churches so that the latter complies with state laws," Saroni said.
The coalition was protesting a statement allegedly made by Catholic priest and editor of The Herald weekly Father Lawrence Andrew, who had reportedly said that churches in Selangor would continue to use the word 'Allah' in reference to God in their weekend services.
A member of the public, Hushim Salleh, who was at the protest to show his support for solidarity group's cause said that the use of the word "Allah" by the Christians was a subtle way to convert Muslims to Christianity.
"I'm a counsellor, trust me, this is a subtle way of confusing the Muslims," he said.
About 100 people joined the peaceful protest."
I normally stay clear of comments on religious issues. But I will venture to share the lessons I can take away from this episode:
1. it is just a word. A word that had been used and continue to be acceptable by the East Malaysian state government of Sabah and Sarawak by the Christians WITHOUT any protests or incidents. YET, in West Malaysia, the use of the word had been used to 'protect' Muslims from being 'harm' or 'seduce to conversion' as some are claiming it. It is a big puzzle really. A word can be so powerful?;
2. some internet jokes that I came across about the use of this word in the West and East Malaysia highlighted how ridiculous it makes the believers to be: East Malaysians worshiping in East Malaysia are ok to use the word. But when they are in West Malaysia, the East Malaysians CANNOT use the word. When the West Malaysians visit East Malaysia and worship at churches, they can listen to the word being used without any issue. Yet, when the West Malaysians are in West Malaysia worshiping, the word cannot be used. Confusing right? You BET!!;
3. of course, many skeptics said that it is NOT a religious matter but a political matter. Even though the so-called: 'Trust me I am a counselor and it is a subtle way to convert a Muslim into Christianity' person proclaimed that. If the 'word' is almighty, surely it cannot fear how it is used by well meaning people. Yes?
I will leave the people to make the judgement. Hopefully not with violence or 'tyranny of the majority'!
Peace to the world and harmony to all mankind regardless of your religious affiliation!
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