'Allah' just for Muslims, says former chief justice

The use of the word 'Allah' by non-Muslims does not arise for it is enshrined in the constitutions of 10 states which restricted its usage just to Muslims.

Former chief justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim said all quarters must respect the laws and should not question or raise the issue.

He said the Federal Constitution also clearly stated that Islam is the official religion of the country, hence all parties, including non-Muslims should understand it and should not make inappropriate demands.

"The Constitution clearly states that Islam is the religion of the federation and other religions can be practised in peace and harmony, but what's happening now, certain quarters want to use the word 'Allah' for non-Muslims.

"This means that non-Muslims are not practising their religion peacefully and this may cause conflict. We also do not know what is the motive of these people (who raised the issue)," he told reporters after attending a briefing on the draft of a memorandum on defending the sanctity of the word 'Allah' to the Conference of Rulers, here today.

Ahmad Fairuz, who is also chairman of the Secretariat on Upholding Islam as Religion of the Federation, said the secretariat, which was tasked with preparing the memorandum, would appeal to the Conference of Rulers to issue a special resolution to stop any action that might tarnish the sanctity of Islam.

"The memorandum includes a petition from several non-governmental organisations which detest any act of sacrilege against Islam," he said, adding that the memorandum would likely be handed over next month.