Jessica Rogers
February 27, 2009
3:45 pm
The government in Malaysia has removed the ban upon the world 'Allah' which had been, until recently, discouraged from use within Christian documents in order to avoid confusion. However, these documents are now required to have a warning on the front, saying that it is for Christian use. What this symbolizes is an underlying tension that is beginning to arise between the majority, the Muslim Malay's and the minorities, those of Indian and Chinese descent that are primarily Christian. Many of the minorities within Malaysia complain of religious discrimination by the Muslim-dominated government, examples including the destruction of Hindu temples and conversion controversy. An editor for the Herald, while agreeing that this order will make things 'easier' on the Herald, but it is still a violation of religious rights because Christians will not be able to carry around documents that do not have the warning upon the front cover. Other Arabic words are prohibited from making an appearance in such documents without the warning, as well. Ministry officials could not be contacted and are not prepared to make a statement until Monday.
Personally, I do not think it is right to be able to censor any form of literature. Literature is freedom of the press and no one should be denied that freedom, no matter what their opinion. You can agree with it or disagree with it. While I can understand if it might cause confusion within the newspaper, I see no reason for Christian documents to require a 'warning' on the front if they are to use certain words within their documents. But, even if this is a big issue, I think that the underlying issue is merely religious tensions rising up between two opposing religions. It is yet another case of the majority religion dominated the other more minor religions. This goes back to what I have said time and time again, no matter what the majority religion of the country is, it is not right to force such ideals on those that have varying beliefs. Religion is a personal choice and should be kept out of state.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/02/27/asia/AS-Malaysia-Allah-Ban.php
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