SUPP disappointed with Federal government decision to appeal on Allah issue, said SUPP President, Dato’ Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian

suppadmin | March 16, 2021

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party is disappointed with the Federal Government’s action of appealing against the High Court
decision quashing the government’s directive issued by the Home Ministry’s control division via the Circular dated 5th December 1986. The 1986 Circular banned the use of the word “Allah” and three other words by non-Muslims, said President of SUPP, Dato’ Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian.

Dr. Sim said Malaysia was formed with Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners in 1963 with the fundamental condition of Sarawak that there should be freedom of religion with no official religion for Sarawak.

The people of Sarawak before 1963 was apprehensive of the possible encroachment into their freedom of worship and religion should Malaysia be formed with Malaya as the dominant party. In order to assuage the fear of the people of Sarawak, the leaders from Malaya when courting for the support of the people of Sarawak gave their promise and assurances that people of Sarawak has full say and freedom over religion.

He added that the Federal Government has breached their promise and assurances given to the people of Sarawak on this fundamental right – the right to freedom of religion. The issue at hand is just one of the smaller infringements on the rights. The federal government is urged to abide by the agreement and the promises given to the people of Sarawak.

The decision to appeal may be a politically right decision by the majority of the cabinet ministers in the Federal Government in view of the instability of the present government and the need to garner support from PAS and UMNO. The appeal, he added can also be seen as palatable for Malaya society and political parties where the majority of the people are Muslims.

However, that does not give the Federal Government the right to impose their version of Malaysia on Sarawak that is contrary to what was agreed in 1963. If the Federal Government insists on their version of Malaysia and not that of 1963, SUPP asks that there be a comprehensive review on the role Sarawak should play in Malaysia.