SHAH ALAM, 9 Jan: The Selangor Government reminds everyone to not make a big issue of the usage of the word ‘Allah’ in the Selangor state song as there are no elements of contempt and abuse of the word.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the use of the word ‘Allah’ is an offence only if there are elements of disrespect and abuse, such as inciting Muslims to change religion.
Abdul Khalid said that it is in line with the ruling under Section 47 of the Administration of the Religion of Islam (State of Selangor) Enactment 2003 (Amendment 2010).
“It is mandatory for Muslims to guard it the best way they can and if there are elements of disrespect or misuse of the word, it should be restrained according to the Federal Constitution laws.
“The enactment should be read and understood thoroughly to avoid any confusion,” he said in a press conference after the State Executive Council Meeting today.
Abdul Khalid also added that His Royal Highness (DYMM – Duli Yang Maha Mulia) the Sultan of Selangor is the Islamic Religious Head for the state of Selangor and the State Government always respects his authority.
Yesterday, DYMM the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said that the word ‘Allah’ can only be used by Muslims and non-Muslims are forbidden to use it.
Meanwhile, the Pakatan Rakyat leadership, through the PAS President Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, expressed the view that Islam does not prohibit followers of other religions to use the word ‘Allah’.