Malaysian state's Sultan bars non Muslims from using the word 'Allah'

Kuala Lumpur: Non Muslims in Malaysia's Selangor state have been barred from using the word "Allah" as it is a sacred word exclusive to Muslims. "The Sultan (Sharafuddin Idris Shah) made a decision and decreed that the word Allah is a sacred word specific to Muslims and it is prohibited to be used by any non-Muslim in Selangor, as stated in a 'fatwa' and gazetted on February 18, 2010," a statement from Selangor Islamic Affairs Council Secretary Mohd Misri Idris said on Tuesday.

The Sultan had stated that stern action could be taken against anyone who questioned the 'fatwa' that was issued according to state laws, he said. The Sultan had expressed shock and regret over opposition DAP party's secretary general Lim Guan Eng's recent remarks urging the Malaysian Government to allow the word "Allah" to be used in the Malay version of the Bible, Mohd Misri Idris said. Lim, who is the Penang state Chief Minister, had made the remarks in his New Year message.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said that Sultan Sharafuddin had every right, as head of the State's Islamic affairs, to issue the decree.