Today, the Federal Court will decide on the leave application by Catholic weekly The Herald to challenge the Home Ministry over the ban on the use of the word “Allah”. However, as of 2pm, the judgement has been reserved.
On October 14 last year, a three-man bench of the Court of Appeal led by Federal Court Judge Datuk Seri Mohamed Apandi Ali unanimously allowed the government’s appeal to ban The Herald from using the word “Allah”.
The hearing for the application for leave to appeal to the Federal Court had originally been set for Feb 24, before being rescheduled to Wednesday, March 5.
To show their support in maintaining the exclusivity of the word “Allah” for Muslims, Muslim groups from all over the country have gathered outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
Among the groups gathered were the outspoken Perkasa, Isma, Jalur Tiga, Persatuan Mukabuku and Pertubuhan Islam Gabungan Amal (Petiga).
Putrajaya branch Petiga president Mohd Rosli Ani said that Petiga hopes for a favourable decision.
“Now we can differentiate the usage of ‘Allah’ by the Muslims and Christians but in future, we can’t be sure that the younger generation will be as clear,” he said.
A minor incident occurred right in front of the Palace of Justice when a “concerned citizen” showed up bearing flowers to be given to those present.
The woman, Siti Kasim, said that not all Malay Muslims shared the same ideas as groups like Perkasa and Isma.
“The way we are going is very worrying and peace-loving Malaysians should speak up,” she said.
Her speech sparked the ire of Penang Persatuan Mukabuku president Saleh Ismail, who felt that Siti was being disrespectful to those present.
“I am willing to have a debate with you, but not here. You are being disrespectful,” he said.
He added that those gathered outside the courthouse were there in peace.
The lawyers for Catholic weekly The Herald are hoping to gain leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal which banned the weekly from using the word “Allah” in its publication.
More to come.
