Malaysiakini.com （http://www.malaysiakini.com）
Bar Council defends 'Allah' poll, 25 March 2009
The Bar Council is confident Malaysians will rise above mere polemics and will not see its on-going poll on the use of the word "Allah" as inciting disaffection.
Its chairperson, Ragunath Kesavan, said the Bar Council was disappointed with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement, regarding the online poll.
"We are mature and responsible citizens who are capable of resolving any differences relating to race or religion through rational and constructive dialogue, with the focus on common values and respect for one another," the Bar Council chairperson said.
"The Bar Council is committed to embark on dialogues with diverse stakeholders including the government, Muslim NGOs and individuals to engage in discourse on issues of mutual concern."
Zahid was reported on Monday to have given a "final warning" to the Bar Council to stop the online poll.
The minister had said it was “unwise” to carry out such a survey, as the move was seen by some quarters as a challenge to Muslims.
“If they (Bar Council) continue to play up the issue, the Muslims may rise and if they do, the Bar should not be angry but be willing to accept the consequences.
“This is the final warning for the Bar Council. Islamic religious matters come under the jurisdiction of the Malay rulers and if they continue to dispute the authority’s decision on the issue (use of the word “Allah” in non-Islamic religious publications), it means they are disputing the power of the rulers,” Zahid had said.
Bar Council committed to fundamental freedom
Ragunath urged Zahid to lend his full support to the responsible exercise of the right of freedom of expression, which he claims is an indivisible right, and part and parcel to Malaysia's system of democracy.
"We look to our elected leaders for guidance, and these leaders have a duty to promote values that foster peace and national unity rather than pandering to partisan self-interest and parochial emotive fervour, which can themselves create disaffection."
Ragunath reiterated that the Bar Council remains committed to the promotion and protection of full, free and informed debate on the basic rights and fundamental freedom enshrined in our Federal Constitution.
He said the council shall continue with our public duty to educate citizens on the various issues and the different perspectives, so that all of us may benefit from a more complete comprehension of the diverse views and opinion.
"We strongly believe that the unique multi-racial and multi-religious make-up of our country is a strength that must be harnessed for the good of our people.
“We call on others to do the same, constructively and peaceably. Vocal might is never right, nor is the act of misrepresenting, intimidating or silencing those who do not share one’s viewpoint," the Bar Council chairperson said.
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