THE Malaysian National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) today discussed the issue concerning the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims and outlined complete and comprehensive guidelines, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said.

Sultan Sharafuddin, who is also MKI chairman, said the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims was a sensitive issue among Muslims in the country, and that included the use of the word by some Christians in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said this should be reviewed and thoroughly examined before a final decision could be made on the matter.

“All the decisions reached by MKI regarding the issue of the word ‘Allah’ will be brought up to the Conference of Rulers at its next meeting, and with that, a policy regarding the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in the country will be finalised,” he said at the 70th MKI meeting at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam today.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was also present as the council’s deputy chairman.

Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed regret over the spread of slander that more than 200 tahfiz schools in Selangor had been ordered to close.

“Indeed, this kind of slander is irresponsible, and I regret it because it has indirectly troubled parents and can erode public trust in religious institutions and religious authorities, especially in Selangor,” he said.

The sultan called on those spreading the rumours to immediately stop the treacherous and irresponsible act.

“I request the police to immediately track down this group of individuals and take legal action against them,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin also ordered unregistered private religious and tahfiz schools to get registered to ensure that these schools had a secure and comfortable learning environment for students. – Bernama, August 28, 2023.