The reality of Malaysia is such that though it has always been described as a harmonious nation, it is hardly so. Physically, we have West Malaysia (or Peninsular Malaysia) and East Malaysia (part of Borneo island). Citizens from West Malaysia need to use their passports when travelling to East Malaysia (Sarawak or Sabah). Recently, some activists like Bersih leaders, Ambiga and Chin Huat, were refused entry into Sarawak.
Racially, we are multi-racial, mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Bidayuhs, and so on. Religiously, we have Islam as official religion, and other religions are allowed, like Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and so on.
Recently, we have problems over the use of 'Allah' by Christians. The word is jealously reserved for use by Muslims in Malaysia, though freely used in the Middle East by Christians.
To appease both Muslims and Christians, the result was a compromise on the use of the word, 'Allah'. Someone noted the following reality of the situation:
Nazri now says "Allah" OK for East Malaysia !
Here are some funny bloggers' comments. We can laugh to keep our sanity in this crazy country !
Blogger A: Let me try to understand what Nazri means:
If you are an East Malaysian Christian residing in East Malaysia, you can use the word 'Allah'.
But if you are a West Malaysian Christian residing in West Malaysia, you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
If you are an East Malaysian Christian working in West Malaysia, you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
However, if you are a West Malaysian Christian working in East Malaysia, it is alright to use the word 'Allah'.
But if you are either East Malaysian or West Malaysian Christian on a plane that has just taken off from East Malaysia to West Malaysia , you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
Similarly if you are either East Malaysian or West Malaysian Christian on a plane that has just taken off from West Malaysia towards East Malaysian, you now can start using the word 'Allah'...!!!
In-flight announcement before take-off in East Malaysia:
"Ladies & gentlemen, please fasten your seat belt; put your seat upright and leave your "Allah" behind..... we're going to West Malaysia yeah!"
Can the Christian Sabahans and Sarawakians in the Peninsular, of whom there are many, not use the word Allah here?
Whenever someone in the Peninsular uses the word "Allah", do we have to check his IC to confirm if he is an authorised user?
Update on March 12:
So soon after the halal lifts in Crystal Crown Hotel in PJ where deliveries of non-halal goods have to use the staircase, non-halal car park in a Shamelin Mall?
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Racially, we are multi-racial, mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Bidayuhs, and so on. Religiously, we have Islam as official religion, and other religions are allowed, like Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and so on.
Recently, we have problems over the use of 'Allah' by Christians. The word is jealously reserved for use by Muslims in Malaysia, though freely used in the Middle East by Christians.
To appease both Muslims and Christians, the result was a compromise on the use of the word, 'Allah'. Someone noted the following reality of the situation:
Nazri now says "Allah" OK for East Malaysia !
Here are some funny bloggers' comments. We can laugh to keep our sanity in this crazy country !
Blogger A: Let me try to understand what Nazri means:
If you are an East Malaysian Christian residing in East Malaysia, you can use the word 'Allah'.
But if you are a West Malaysian Christian residing in West Malaysia, you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
If you are an East Malaysian Christian working in West Malaysia, you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
However, if you are a West Malaysian Christian working in East Malaysia, it is alright to use the word 'Allah'.
But if you are either East Malaysian or West Malaysian Christian on a plane that has just taken off from East Malaysia to West Malaysia , you cannot use the word 'Allah'.
Similarly if you are either East Malaysian or West Malaysian Christian on a plane that has just taken off from West Malaysia towards East Malaysian, you now can start using the word 'Allah'...!!!
In-flight announcement before take-off in East Malaysia:
"Ladies & gentlemen, please fasten your seat belt; put your seat upright and leave your "Allah" behind..... we're going to West Malaysia yeah!"
Can the Christian Sabahans and Sarawakians in the Peninsular, of whom there are many, not use the word Allah here?
Whenever someone in the Peninsular uses the word "Allah", do we have to check his IC to confirm if he is an authorised user?
So soon after the halal lifts in Crystal Crown Hotel in PJ where deliveries of non-halal goods have to use the staircase, non-halal car park in a Shamelin Mall?
Honestly all this "Allah" stuff is going nowhere except more dirty politic play by both the ruling party and the opposition. If the faith of the Christians are strong, what name is use for their "GOD" doesn't really matter. For all what I say, I am a Christian from West Malaysia.
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