KUALA LUMPUR: The government will present a proposal on the use of the word 'Allah' to the Conference of Rulers in July, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it was steadfast in prohibiting the use of the word Allah for non-Muslims in the peninsula and allowing it to be used by non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak but with certain conditions.
"Although there were differences in opinion, some agreed that it (the use of the word) could be allowed for non-Muslims (in general). They, however, are personal views," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai).
Anwar said the issue revolved around two contradictory directives issued by the cabinet and the Home Ministry in 1986.
He said the Attorney-General's Chambers had studied Jill Ireland's case, particularly on the administrative directives, before the decision to withdraw the appeal in the High Court was made.
"Yes, we could proceed with the appeal, but the same issue would arise due to the contradictory directives."
He denied allegations that the Conference of Rulers was not consulted prior to the government's decision to withdraw the appeal.
He said the cabinet had on Feb 7 decided to uphold the rulers' decision to ban non-Muslims in the peninsula from using the word 'Allah' and impose conditional use for those in Sabah and Sarawak.
"Hence, AGC's decision not to appeal (the High Court ruling) is in line with the decision by the rulers."