Controversial "Allah" debate cancelled

According to online media "Sinar Harian Online", the debate regarding the controversial Allah issue between UMNO Selangor chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar and PAS Central Working Committee member, Khalid Samad, organized by the Daily Herald Newspaper scheduled for today has been cancelled. Media Executives Editorial Advisory Group Karangkraf, Datuk Abdul Jalil Ali said the decision to cancel the debate was made after considering various aspects and the current situation. "Having examined the views and advice from religious leaders, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as well as those who are concerned, we decided to cancel this debate," he said. . Abdul Jalil said advice and views on the debate were received from various parties through press, social media, e-mails and letters sent to the office of the Sinar Harian. "We understand the feelings and sentiments of the public, therefore we have made this decision," he said. The issue of the word Allah heated up after Catholic weekly The Herald, Editor, Lawrence Andrew made a statement last December that the Catholic Churches in Selangor will continue to use the word Allah in its weekly gathering. Due to the statement, the Malaysian Indigenous Empowerment Organisation (Perkasa) Selangor lodged a police report against Lawrence. This issue gained more attention when the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) raided the Bible Society of Malaysia premise in Damansara Kim and seized 351 Malay and Iban version Bibles for using the word Allah in it.