Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) - "We are disappointed for the court’s ruling, which, however, was not totally unexpected. However, we hope that something good for our future can be born from this measure: we have faith in Providence and in what the Lord has in store for the life of our community", is what His Exc. Mgr. Julian Leow, appointed Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur said.
Yesterday the Supreme Court of the Federation of Malaysia denied the Catholic church's application for a review of the apex court's earlier ruling which did not grant it leave to appeal the ban on the use of the word "Allah" in Catholic weekly, "Herald". The Supreme Court, third instance, did not examine the merits of the case, but merely limited itself to determine whether, in previous trials, there were any faults. The five judges who made up the jury voted unanimously denying the possibility of any further legal action because "there were procedural errors" in the lower courts. The first instance judgment was in favor of the Church but, on appeal, the High Court had ruled in favor of the Malaysian government, prohibiting Herald the use of the word Allah, in its issue in "Bahasha malaysia" language.
His Exc Mgr. Julian Leow said: "As Christians in Malaysia we will try to always be united in working for dialogue and harmony among ethnic groups and faiths. This trial has finished, after a seven-year legal battle. The hope we have is that understanding and mutual respect are always a founding point in social and religious coexistence in Malaysia".
"It is true that the term Allah – stresses Mgr. Leow - is an important point for two-thirds of the Catholic population in Malaysia, which worship in the local language, Bahasha. What we hope and we ask is that the verdict is confined only to the columns of the Herald. "The interpretation of the judgment - says the Archbishop - should not be extended to liturgies, worship and Bible". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/01/2015)
