(http://yee-crystal.blogspot.com) 15 February 2009
Letters to the Editor (Herald The Catholic Weekly)
・Govt had no jurisdiction over the usage of 'Allah'
by Yhto Nainif, Selangor.
Neither the Malaysian Government nor its Home Ministry has any jurisdiction over the usage of the word 'Allah' in magazines, periodicals, religious tracts, public speeches or print via the electronic media.
In fact, it's an Arab word in case the Malaysian Government isn't aware and if there is anyone who should claim justifiable rights over its usage, it should be the Arabs themselves and we don't see that happening in the foreseeable future.
If the Malaysian Government's argument is on the grounds that the Malay muslims might have appear confused over its usage by other faiths, then it is the job of their muftis and respective religious bodies to set the record straight instead of issuing veiled threats and throwing their convoluted weight around like a cow-elephant on heat.
The government must portray themselves as being firm and fair and capable of making independent decisions without fear or favour instead of continuously succumbing to the infantile whims and fancies of their fickle-minded religious bodies who apparently seem to have too much time on their hands.
・A Misconception About Words, Language and Religion
by Edwin Lai, Rawang
Ii would like to draw light into the statement in an article made by a certain Prime Minister's Department which is published in a Bahasan Malaysia weekly on Sunday Feb 1, 2009 with the headline Jangan cabar Islam meaning "Don't challenge Islam" in English.
In this article, he was quoted as saying that HERALD has caused anger among the Muslims by using the Arabic word for God in its weekly and that it has challenged the sanctity of Islam. He also said, "Don't play with fire, don't challenge Islam, we will do anything to protect this holy religion" (Translated from Bahasa Malaysia).
I wonder what he meant by that but it certainly sounds threatening enough. However so, I found his statement and attitude very much contradictory to the teachings found in the Muslim Holy Book which says, "No coercion should be (by any means allowed) in matters of faith" (2:256), and the sanctity of houses of worship - be they monasteries, churches, synagogues or mosques, "in all of which God's name is abundantly extolled" - should be secured and defended (22:40).
Muslims and non-Muslims have equal rights and responsibilities according to the constitutional document drawn up by Prophet Muhammad after his arrival in Medina. A dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims ought to be conducted, objectively and ethnically in the best possible way, the Muslim Holy Book teaches. "And say, 'We believe in that which has bestowed upon us, as well as that which has bestowed upon you, and our God and your God is one and the same, and unto Him we submit oursleves' " (29:46).
Being called a Muslim does not necessarily make one a true practising Muslim. I may not be an expert in Islamis studies but as a Catholic and proud to be one too, I am confident enough to say that I know the Bible well. But does this so called Minister know the Muslim Holy Book well enough to make such comments? I assure all readers that I am not trying to challenge Islam but in fact, I am promoting the understanding of Islam as a religion.
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