JMD :
After gleefully reading your long comment, I must salute you for the massive information given. Thank you.
But as your last paragraph stated, we should not be caught up with pedantics. If you as a non Muslim had said that, then what is the problem? “A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet!” right? You should tell the Herald that. According to you, God doesn’t mind what name he be called.
The history of the case can be summarised like this: The Herald had been publishing in Malay its newspaper with the name ‘Allah’ to denote the Christian God. Recently, it was discovered by the authorities (probably after some complaints) of this publication and an injuncture was issued. After that, the courts ruled (after hearing arguments from both sides) that The Herald must no longer print its newspapers in BM. After an appeal by The Herald, the courts ruled that The Hearld can print their newspapers in Malay but without the use of the word ‘Allah’. Instead of applying your advise EWO (that they should not caught up with pedantics), and be grateful of the compromise, they pursued the matter further; suing the govt etc.
I do not understand how people like to demand this and that but once an article like this came out, the same people will defend their actions using arguments that can be used against them! Do not demand if you do not prepare to give…
Oh by the way, one of the Herald’s argument was, the government cannot stop them to keep using Allah’s name because they had been doing that for years and the government had been silent. My take is, yes the government was ignorant of this transgression. But ignorance on the part of the government cannot be used as their defence! It’s like if a person had his money stolen quietly by his friend for the past 10 years, he no longer qualify to press charge his friend due to his own ignorance!
There are ulterior motives behind this pursuit by The Herald. And it certainly not about ‘monopoly of a language!’ The simplistic notion of ‘monopolising a word’ is not the central issue of this whole episode.
Thank you.
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My response:
JMD,
you said - “A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet!” right? You should tell the Herald that. According to you, God doesn’t mind what name he be called.
urm...can you enlighten me again on exactly WHO has a problem with using the word "Allah" in this case?
Anyway, in summary, i believe the Christian contention in this case is that:
1. Malay Christians in the region (in Indonesia and Borneo especially) have been using "Allah" to refer to God since time immemorial.
The Bahasa Indonesia translations of the Bible, which refer to God as "Allah" have been available for decades, if not centuries. To say that the govt of Malaysia was unaware of this is selective amnesia, as ALL publications MUST have the consent of the Malaysian govt before it is released to the public. Remember the Printing and Publications Act?
So what is REALLY happening in Malaysian is not that there has been a sudden reliasation on the part of the government, but more of a CHANGE OF HEART - from tolerance previously to intolerance today.
2. Arab Christians STILL refer to God as "Allah" with little hassle. Why the big hassle here?
Arab Christians live among an overwhelming 90%++ Muslim majority. And the Arab world is the birthplace of Islam. If they can live peacefully with each other re the mutual use of the name "Allah", why can't we here?
What are the socio-political changes that have contributed to this about face on the part of the Malaysian govt, which ostensibly hints at the desire to separate the nation's peoples rather than unite them? How should we address it as a masyarakat majmuk Malaysia?
and finally,
3. To the Muslims' contention that only Muslims have the right to use the name "Allah", the Christian standpoint is that no one has exclusive right to using the name "Allah" as its use predates Islam, and possibly even Judaism!
Alahai...
In that case, to be fair, we exchange la! Muslims cannot use the word "Tuhan". Must be fair to Christians ma. After all, if everyone started claiming back their words for "God", what words do Christians use to refer to God?!
Remember, Christians did not start out as a distinct ethnic group like the Jews or Arabs. So the words we use are not tied to any "exclusive" ethno-cultural rights.
Pity us laa...
And I quite agree with "cam". Teach our children in the ways of our true beliefs and they will not wander from it. Why be so worried that other religions using the word "God" will cause you to slip in your faith? I have sung Indonesian Christian songs which praise "Allah" and never once have I felt confused about my beliefs and the need to convert to Islam.
What we need is more dialogue and mutual respect, understanding and tolerance. Fighting for "rights" of use is just going to do more damage than good to ALL parties.
As to what your assertion hints at:
There are ulterior motives behind this pursuit by The Herald. And it certainly not about ‘monopoly of a language!’ The simplistic notion of ‘monopolising a word’ is not the central issue of this whole episode.
Well, that's a whole other debate la.
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