Press Statements & Articles

Response to Joceline Tan's article Two approaches to 'Allah'

Response to Joceline Tan's article Two approaches to 'Allah'

Dear Sir,

The National Evangelical Christian Fellowship (NECF) Malaysia is disturbed by Joceline Tan's article Two approaches to 'Allah' that appeared in your paper, The Star, on January 27, 2010.

In her article, she stated, "An overwhelming majority of Malay-Muslims are very uncomfortable with the High Court ruling in allowing the use of the word "Allah" in The Herald..."

Firstly, we wish to know where she derived her statistics to get "An overwhelming majority of Malay-Muslims". Granted that the article was her personal analysis, we feel that as a responsible journalist, she should be careful in making such generalisations, for this can further worsen the delicate situation we are already in.

Furthermore, we feel her generalisation is rather inflammatory as it may stir up those who are opposed to the court ruling to believe there are many who share their conviction.

Secondly, we feel her claim that the majority Malay-Muslims are "very uncomfortable with the High Court ruling" is rather extreme. Her use of the adjective "very" may have given the impression that the Malay-Muslims in Malaysia are seething in anger.

As responsible citizens of the land, we should do our utmost to contribute towards national integration and racial harmony, taking heed of the words of our Lord Jesus, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God" (Matt 5:9).

Sam Ang
Secretary-General
NECF Malaysia



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