Oh Herald, I am but a …

Two days ago, Editor of the Herald, Father Lawrence Andrew, was reported to have said that this week’s edition of the Roman Catholic newspaper contains the “banned” word, “Allah” (imagine banning the word!). He also was reported to have said that he intends to use the “bannded” word until the courts come to a decision on this issue next month. Malaysiakini quoted Father Lawrence as saying:

We find this restriction on the use of ‘Allah’ unacceptable when we have been using it as a translation for ‘God’ for centuries in Malaysia

The Home Ministry believes the word should only be used by Muslims. Yes, because Arab Christians refer “Allah” as “God”…

Of course, our government, in its efficacy, was reported to have said on Wednesday that it will “probe” the Herald’s use of the “banned” word.  Home Minister, Syed Hamid Albar, said the Home Ministry’s decision to prohibit the Catholic publication from using the word ‘Allah’ was a government’s decision, and not that of the ministry. Malaysiakini quoted him as saying:

We have been tolerant towards other religions; If we decide to ban the publication, they will get angry and accuse us of stifling freedom.

Whatever…

The Micah Mandate has an interesting piece by Bob Teoh on this issue.