BY M MAGESWARI
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KUALA LUMPUR: Seven judges are to hear the application by the Catholic weeklyThe Herald for leave over the use of word Allah to refer to the Christian God on Wednesday.
Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria is to chair the seven-man bench.
Six other judges are Court of Appeal president Justice Raus Sharif, Chief Judge of Malaya Justice Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin, Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Justice Richard Malanjum and Federal Court judges Justices Suriyadi Halim Omar, Zainun Ali and Jeffrey Tan.
Some 28 questions of law have been posed to the Federal Court to be heard and decided by the seven judges.
Muslim groups gather in Putrajaya to await Federal Court’s decision in 'Allah' case
Muslim groups gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya
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PUTRAJAYA: Muslims groups from around the country have gathered outside the Palace of Justice here to show their support in the maintaining the exclusivity of the word “Allah” for Muslims.
Among the groups gathered here on Wednesday were the outspoken Perkasa, Isma, Jalur Tiga, Persatuan Mukabuku and Pertubuhan Islam Gabungan Amal (Petiga).
Putrajaya branch Petiga president Mohd Rosli Ani said that Petiga hopes for a favourable decision.
“Now we can differentiate the usage of ‘Allah’ by the Muslims and Christians but in future, we can’t be sure that the younger generation will be as clear,” he said.
A minor incident occurred in front of the Palace of Justice when a “concerned citizen” turned up bearing flowers to be given to those present.
The woman, Siti Kasim said that not all Malay Muslims shared the same ideas as groups like Perkasa and Isma.
“The way we are going is very worrying and peace-loving Malaysians should speak up,” she said.
Her speech sparked the ire of Penang Persatuan Mukabuku president Saleh Ismail, who felt that Siti was being disrespectful to those present.
“I am willing to have a debate with you, but not here. You are being disrespectful,” he said.
He added that those gathered outside the courthouse were there in peace.
The lawyers for Catholic weekly The Herald are hoping to gain leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal which banned the weekly from using the word “Allah” in its publication.
More to come
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