Allah Usage Issue Takiyuddin Trying To Demonise Dap Says Aziz Bari

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Tebing Tinggi assemblyperson Abdul Aziz Bari has hit back at PAS’ Takiyuddin Hassan for the latter’s remarks about an affidavit concerning the Jill Ireland case and the usage of the word “Allah”.
Aziz (above), a constitutional law expert who is in his second term as an elected representative for DAP, said the former de facto law minister Takiyuddin was trying to mislead the public for political gain.
“He’s obviously trying to demonise DAP. Takiyuddin seems to be insinuating that I am compromising the position of Islam and Muslims.
“This is simply not true. I made the affidavit on the basis of what I know about the Constitution as it is reflected in the provisions concerned as well as the framework of the Constitution,” Aziz told Malaysiakini.
He added that a video going around on TikTok was yet another example of how PAS targets and attacks progressive Muslims through misinformation.
The video shows Takiyuddin at a press conference in Parliament yesterday, during which he is critical of Aziz, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan and Election Commission deputy chief Azmi Sharom.
PAS MP Takiyuddin HassanThe trio had affirmed in an affidavit cited in the Ireland case that they were not confused by Christians using the word Allah.
“First of all, I did this on a personal basis, and it has nothing to do with the DAP.
“Under the Constitution, Islam is a matter for the states and the rulers can only speak for their states.
“For those states without rulers such as Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak plus federal territories, they are under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” said Aziz.
Right of non-Muslims
He also said that the court case by Ireland was about the rights of a Christian from Sarawak.
“To my understanding, the right of non-Muslims to practise their religion is protected by the Constitution.
“As far as I know, copies of the Bible (in the Ireland case) were not meant to be circulated publicly; it was meant strictly for the Christians for their use.
“I was asked by the lawyers acting for the plaintiff in the case,” explained Aziz.
“I believe how the non-Muslims practise their religion or how they call their God is none of our business,” he added.
He said the provisions and framework about Islam in the Constitution are meant for protecting Muslims, not to prejudice non-Muslims.
Aziz said that Takiyuddin was very selective in what he wanted to highlight, adding that PAS had recently gone against the Malay rulers on the issue of keeping political speeches out of mosques.
He reminded Takiyuddin that just this week, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah visited Sarawak and called on all Malaysians to make unity a major asset for the nation’s future.
Amendment and revocation
In Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the amendment and revocation of laws - that are in conflict with a Rulers Council's decision over the word “Allah” - was part of his administration's efforts to ensure that the issue may no longer be contested in the courts after the 2021 landmark decision in the Ireland case.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim"The decision made, on the advice of the attorney-general, is to streamline (all related regulations). Otherwise, if we (the government) appeal, the case may surface again because of existing conflicts.
"So, because of that, we are putting an end (to it) by amending all regulations to make it clear and no further cases can be brought to court," said Anwar during the Prime Minister's Question Time.
He said this in response to Takiyuddin who urged the government to justify its decision to withdraw its appeal in the Ireland case. - Mkini

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