While Hindus constitute a small community in Peninsular Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak constitute 60 percent of the Malaysian landmass lest we forget), they are much loved and appreciated.

Withdraw govt appeal on Allah ban

More importantly, Ismail Sabri must instruct the Attorney General’s Chamber to withdraw its appeal against the High Court’s ruling on March 10 that declared the Allah ban since 1986 is unconstitutional.  The PM must hear the plea of Borneo Christians and the 18 MPs, four senators and 31 assemblypersons from Sabah and Sarawak representing them in a statement dated March 15 calling for the withdrawal.

The plea is a cross-party voice. Included in the list are four MPs, one senator and 15 assemblypersons in the government’s camp, namely Willie Mongin (Bersatu-Puncak Borneo), Richard Riot (SUPP-Serian), Larry Sng (Julau) Anyi Ngau (PDP- Baram), Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew (SUPP), Harry Henry Jinep (PDP-Tasik Biru), Miro Simuh (PBB-Serembu), Martin Ben (PBB-Kedup), John Ilus (PBB-Bukit Semuja), Snowdan Lawan (PRS-Balai Ringin), Gerald Rentap Jabu (PBB-Layar), Rolland Duat (PDP-Meluan), Alexander Vincent (PRS-Ngemah), Allan Gramong (PBB-Machan), Christopher Gira (PRS-Tamin), Wilson Nyabong (PRS-Pelagus), Jefferson Jamit (Bukit Goram), Kennedy Chuk Pai (PRS-Murum), Majang Renggi (PRS-Samalaju) and Dennis Ngau (PBB-Telang Usan).

Ismail Sabri must summon the moral courage to inform Malayan Muslims that Allah is used by Borneo Christians in worship because that is the word used in Bahasa Malaysia/Indonesia and even Arab for “God” in any Abrahamic religions, and that the cultural shock many Malayan Muslims encountered since the 1980s was due to the success of the National Language Policy in Sabah and Sarawak, and the influx of Sabahans and Sarawakians to Malaya for education and employment because their home regions had been marginalised. 

If Malayan Muslims need to feel more secure, then the government should introduce comparative religions courses in schools and through public media so that both Muslims and Christians know their different understandings of Allah without feeling insecure.

Use your vote wisely in Malacca, Sarawak

Malaysians must not give up hope that the light of inclusiveness can conquer the darkness of insecurities.  In the upcoming state elections of Malacca and Sarawak, make sure you turn out to vote and use your vote to reject any candidates and parties who deliberately exploit the politics of insecurities.