Selangor Bans Christian Song
Imposes fine of up to RM1,000
From banning Bibles to Christian publications, the authorities are now prohibiting songs.
The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has banned an Indonesian song which contains the word "Allah" to "prevent Muslims from being confused".
Anyone found playing or singing the song, "Allah Peduli" (God Cares), risk being fined up to RM1,000 under the Non-Muslim Religious Enactment 1988.
However, the ban is confined to Selangor as matters of religion come under state jursidiction.
MAIS chairman Datuk Mohamad Adzib Mohd Isa told the media on March 13 that the song by Indonesian singer Agnes Monica repeatedly used the word 'Allah' when referring to Jesus Christ and that the lyrics ended with words "Tak akan pernah dibiarkannya ku bergumul sendiri sebab Allah Yeses ku mengerti" (Will never be left alone to face my own anxiety because Allah Jesus understands).
Following the ruling, the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAIPP) urged the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to extend the ban to the nation.
MAIPP chairman Shabudin Yahaya said he had not heard the song but he had received reports that the lyrics touched on the sensitivities of Islam.
NECF Malaysia maintains that it will continue to use the word "Allah" as languages and words are universal property and should not be monopolised by any one religion or ethnic group. Furthermore, the word has been used by Christians and other religions even before Islam existed.
NECF asserts that one of the ways to resolve the issue is to get the various religious groups who use "Allah" in their Scriptures and faith - Sikhs, Christians, Muslims and others - to educate their followers on their unique understanding of the word according to their religions.
Different religion views and understands "Allah" in different manner and no one religion should impose its understanding of the word on another religion.
You can catch the controversial song "Allah Peduli" on youtube.com |
