Some people just don’t understand dialogue… SO now the government wants a formalised interfaith dialogue mechanism? Going by the history of the state’s response to attempts by civil society to initiate interfaith dialogue, I am not holding my breath. In 2005, various members of civil society had a conference proposing a statutory Interfaith Commission (IFC) […]
Allah
Flipping on interfaith dialogue (Updated)
By Ding Jo-AnnUpdated 5:35pm, 12 Feb 2010 “There is no reason to be afraid of ideas like [having an interfaith body].” DATUK Seri Rais Yatim, speaking as then culture, arts and heritage minister, when opening a 2005 national conference on establishing an interfaith commission. Rais encouraged everyone to listen to the proposals with an open mind and […]
“Allah” dan dakyah Kristian
Oleh Shanon Shah(Gambar buku oleh Ivan Petrov; gambar sembahyang oleh Adrian Van Leen / sxc.hu) SALAH satu alasan penganut Islam yang menentang penggunaan kalimah “Allah” oleh orang bukan Islam di Malaysia ialah perbuatan ini akan mengelirukan umat Islam. Ini pula kerana kononnya terdapat konspirasi Kristian untuk menyesatkan orang Islam supaya mereka murtad dan memeluk agama Kristian. Dan […]
Church survival and complicity
By Deborah LohGurdwara Sahib Sentul was stoned and had a glass door damaged (Stock pic source: morguefile.com) THIS is not another commentary on “Allah” and its usage, nor is it about the attacks against churches, a Catholic school and a Sikh gurdwara after the issue spiralled out of control. It is instead about the private dilemma the […]
Allah and the Malay language
By Wong Chin Huat(Blackboard pic by ilco / sxc.hu) IF the church were to agree to the ban of the word “Allah” for non-Muslims, would this solve our problems? The answer is no. Religious authorities in the West Malaysian states have banned more than the word “Allah”. In Pahang and Malacca, the word “nabi” (prophet) is banned, making […]
The consequences of bad habits
By Nick ChooWITH the state of affairs in Malaysia today, one wonders what it would take for extremists to get riled up over what they might deem “inappropriate” and “sensitive” content. What kind of situation or context might pose a threat to those who fear encroachment upon their faith, and who only know how to react through […]
Right to go to court over “Allah”
By Ding Jo-Ann(Pic by Nikolai Mamluke / Dreamstime) THE argument that Malaysians are being asked to accept over the “Allah” issue sounds like this: “Muslims are the majority in this country. In a democracy, the majority’s wishes should be prioritised. Christians may have the right to use the word ‘Allah’, but why do it when it provokes […]
Allah debate #4
By Jacqueline Ann Surin and Lainie Yeoh*Quote sourced from PM: Don’t blame Umno over attacks, Malaysiakini, 8 Jan 2010(Kancil pic public domain) The Nut Graph needs your support Please take our five-minute reader survey
Allah debate #3
By Ding Jo-Ann and Lainie Yeoh(Corrected at 1:01am, 16 Jan 2010) * Quote sourced from Penghakiman hakis keistimewaan Islam, Berita Harian Online, 8 Jan 2010 The Nut Graph needs your support Please take our five-minute reader survey
If “Allah” were for Muslims only
By Chan Kheng Hoe(Pic by xymonau / sxc.hu) MUCH has been said about the use of the word “Allah“, and I do not necessarily want to add clutter to the debate without a fresh perspective. It seems interesting that everyone wants to give their input on this issue, including free-thinkers for whom God, by whatever name God is […]
