DATUK Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement regarding the Bar Council’s on-line poll on the use of the word “Allah”, as reported in the media on 23 March 2009, makes for disappointing reading in our country’s continuing democratic discourse.
We are confident that Malaysians will rise above mere polemics and will not see the poll as inciting disaffection. We are mature and responsible citizens who are capable of resolving any differences relating to race or religion through rational and constructive dialogue, with the focus on common values and respect for one another.
The Bar Council is committed to embarking on dialogues with diverse stakeholders including the government, Muslim non-governmental organisations and individuals to engage in discourse on issues of mutual concern.
We urge the minister to lend his full support to the responsible exercise of the right of freedom of expression, which is an indivisible right, and part and parcel of our nation’s system of democracy.
We look to our elected leaders for guidance, and these leaders have a duty to promote values that foster peace and national unity rather than pandering to partisan self-interest and parochial emotive fervour, which can themselves create disaffection.
The Bar Council remains committed to the promotion and protection of full, free and informed debate on the basic rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in our Federal Constitution.
We shall continue with our public duty to educate our fellow citizens on the various issues and the different perspectives, so that all of us may benefit from a more complete comprehension of the diverse views and opinion.
We strongly believe that the unique multiracial and multireligious make-up of our country is a strength that must be harnessed for the good of our people.
We call on others to do the same, constructively and peaceably. Vocal might is never right, nor is the act of misrepresenting, intimidating or silencing those who do not share one’s viewpoint.
Ragunath Kesavan
President
Malaysian Bar
25 March 2009
We owe it to the next generation says
Let’s not only support what the Bar Council does but let us ordinary folks do the same. There’s too much polarisation and segregation between the races and religions already that does not bode well for the country’s well being. Our young people are not mixing with each other. Communities are divided. We owe it to the next generation to reach out to one another now.
arah says
Yes, let’s discuss and understand who is Allah the Almighty Creator.
5:17 (Y. Ali) In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say: “Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and everyone that is on the earth? For to Allah belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He createth what He pleaseth. For Allah hath power over all things.â€
However, there are positive messages from Allah to all Christians:
Surah 5:Ayat: 82-83
“And thou wilt find the nearest of them in affection to those who believe (to be) those who say: Lo! We are Christians. That is because there are among them priests and monks, and because they are not proud. When they listen to that which hath been revealed unto the messenger, thou seest their eyes overflow with tears because of their recognition of the Truth. They say: Our Lord, we believe. Inscribe us as among the witnesses.â€
Cheers.
court jester says
Dear Sir,
In order to help educate the public, I feel the need to share the translation for Surah Al-Ikhlas from the Al-Quran with your readers. Muslims have no problem with other religions professing Allah as The God.
But to claim it as a word synonymous with God is blasphemous to us. And why target Islam? Are there Christian literature in other languages that describe God as Buddha or Ganesh or Shiva? Please correct me if I am wrong about this. And if you really wish to educate the public, please share the translation below.
BismillahirRahmanirRahim
Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani
[1] Katakanlah (wahai Muhammad): “(Tuhanku) ialah Allah Yang Maha Esa;
[2] “Allah Yang menjadi tumpuan sekalian makhluk untuk memohon sebarang hajat;
[3] “Ia tiada beranak, dan Ia pula tidak diperanakkan;
[4] “Dan tidak ada sesiapapun yang serupa denganNyaâ€.
CJ