'Don't take part in the rally over Allah issue' - Police

19 May 2023 03:57pm

An Islamic NGOs has plans to hold a rally to protest against the government's decison to withdraw the appeal in court for the use of the word Allah case on Friday.

SHAH ALAM - The organisers and the public are told not to take part in the demonstration protesting the government's decision to withdraw its appeal against a High Court ruling that allowed non-Muslims to use the word "Allah" to refer to God.

The rally is expected to take place at the Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah compound here, today.

Shah Alam district deputy police chief Superintendent Ramsay Anak Embol said the police have traced a viral post on social media platforms calling for all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the entire Muslim community to hold and attend the demonstration.

He said the police take this matter seriously and have advised the organisers not to proceed with the rally held at the mosque.

"This is an offence under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736).

"Therefore, the public, especially those around Shah Alam, is advised not to take part in the rally and preserve the public's peace, harmony, and well-being," he said today.

Last Monday, the Association of Islam Defenders (Pembela) strongly objected to the Unity Government's decision to withdraw the appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision, which allowed non-Muslims to use the word 'Allah' along with three other Arabic words - 'Baitullah', 'Kaabah' and 'solat' in the publication of religious materials for educational purposes.

Its secretary-general, Mohd Aswanizam Alias, said the unilateral decision made by the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership without referring to or consulting with any stakeholders on the issue involving Muslims can be considered an outrageous act that can negatively impact the country.