THE government must explain their decision to withdraw an appeal against a landmark ruling allowing Christians to use the word “Allah” in the practice of their religion, Pasir Gudang lawmaker Hassan Karim said.

“Why was the appeal case not given a chance for a verdict according to constitutional law in the Court of Appeal?

“This Kalimah Allah case starts in the High Court and can be appealed by the parties involved up to the Federal Court,” he posted on Facebook today. 

Hassan said the case to the Court of Appeal was filed by the previous government in 2021. 

“What is the rationale for the withdrawal by the government now?” he asked.

Putrajaya’s decision became known yesterday after the notice of discontinuance was filed on April 18 by the senior federal counsel representing the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Church leaders and politicians in Sarawak today lauded Putrajaya’s decision to withdraw its appeal against a High Court ruling allowing Christians to use the word “Allah” to refer to God.

On March 21, 2021 judge Nor Bee Ariffin rule that the  1986 Home Ministry directive banning non-Muslims from using the word, which means “God”, was unlawful and unconstitutional. 

The judge said Sarawak Christian Jill Ireland Lawrence Bill had been deprived of her rights to practise her religion. 

“I do not agree with the government’s argument that the declaration that is being sought is premature.

“She has been deprived and there is no assurance that it won’t happen again. 

“This will eliminate her fear and uncertainty.’

In the suit filed in 2008, Jill had sought official recognition of her constitutional rights to practise her religion and non-discrimination under articles 8 and 11 of the constitution.

Hassan today asked if the government’s decision to withdraw the appeal was not in violation of the law. 

“Aren’t the provisions of the Federal Constitution regarding the position of Islam within the jurisdiction of the Council of Malay Rulers?

“Was the Council of Malay Rulers consulted and the consent of the rulers obtained before the appeal was withdrawn?

“It is important that the home affairs minister and the prime minister explain things at once to ease the anxieties of the Muslim community.” – May 16, 2023.