Take those who mock Agong over word "Allah" to task

Stern action should be taken against those who mock the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over his remarks on the exclusivity of the word "Allah" to Muslims, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. He said comments that provoked and mocked the King were a very serious matter as they violated the constitution that upheld Islam as the official religion of the federation. "Islam is the official religion of the federation as enshrined in the constitution and the King is entitled to his views and address in accordance with the law," he told reporters after attending the Pemuafakatan Badan Ilmiah Nasional (PEMBINA) Board of Trustees meeting here Tuesday. He was reacting to comments over the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's remarks that several words including "Allah" were the exclusive rights of Muslims, citing a 1986 decree by the National Fatwa Council on their use. The religious sensitivity must be observed and the status of Islam as the country's official religion must be respected, the King said in his address at an investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Sultan of Kedah's 86th birthday which was read out by Sultan of Kedah Council of Regency chairman Tan Sri Tunku Annuar Sultan Badlishah on Sunday. Shafie, who is also Umno vice-president, said provocative acts which were politically oriented should be hindered and the individuals involved should be taken to task. "This should not be taken lightly as the King is a sovereign institution, particularly over his views on Islam which should not be ridiculed by any quarters," he said. On Pembina, he said Pembina and his ministry were intensifying efforts to encourage more Bumiputera to become professional accountants. To date there were only 8,939 Bumiputera accountants, short of 11,751, he said adding that, as Bumiputera accounted for 67.9 per cent of the population, it should have 29,690 accountants to reflect the racial composition. Mara and the Public Service Department should redouble efforts to encourage Bumiputera to pursue much sought after accountancy qualifications such as the Chartered Professional Accountant and Association of Chartered Certified Accountant.