HERALD CAN'T USE 'ALLAH' IN ITS PUBLICATIONS

The Star today carried the above story in its National news section.

The Herald - the Catholic Weekly publication is not allowed to use the word "Allah" in its publications, the Cabinet decided.

The restrictions on the use of the word "Allah" was still enforceable and shall be upheld as decided by the Cabinet in two of its meetings - on Oct 18 and Nov 1, 2006, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Abdullah Mohd Zin said.

Abdullah, who said the Prime Minister had instructed him to clarify the matter so the public would not be confused, told a press conference on Thursday:

"One of the reasons given to uphold the restriction is because that it has long been the practice of this country that the word Allah refers to God according to the Muslim faith."

It was only proper for other religions to use the word "God" and not "Allah" when referring to their God in respective beliefs, Abdullah said, adding that the use of the word "Allah" shall not be made a public debate that may give the impression as if there is no freedom of religion in the country.

"The use of the word "Allah" by non Muslims may arouse sensitivity and create confusion among Muslims in the country," he said.

When contacted later, Abdullah said that the Cabinet in the two meetings had decided that Herald - The Catholic Weekly should not used the word "Allah" in its publications.

"I would also like to remind the public that apart from the word 'Allah', three other words - Solat, Kaabah and Baitullah -are also prohibited and cannot be used in other religious' publications," he added.