Why were churches told to stop using “Allah” under the 1988 law?

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Churches in Selangor Were Instructed to Cease Using "Allah" Due to a 1988 State Enactment

Churches in Selangor were directed to stop using the word "Allah" as part of a directive stemming from the Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988. This state law, enacted by the then Barisan Nasional state government, specifically prohibits non-Muslims within Selangor from utilising 35 Arabic words and phrases in their religious practices, with "Allah" being one of them. The law was also cited as the basis for the arrest and investigation of two Bible Society of Malaysia (BSM) officials during a recent raid.
The Legal Framework for the Ban

The Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Among Muslims) Enactment 1988 explicitly forbids non-Muslims in the state from employing a list of 35 Arabic words and phrases within their faith. This prohibition includes terms such as "Allah," "Nabi" (prophet), "Injil" (gospel), and "Insya’Allah" (God willing). The enactment was reportedly implemented alongside a royal decree from the Sultan of Selangor that also limited the use of "Allah" to Islam.
Historical Context of the Enactment

This specific state law was passed in 1988 by the Barisan Nasional administration governing Selangor at the time. Its passage occurred within a broader political and religious climate that saw discussions and regulations concerning the use of specific religious terminology by non-Muslim communities. The enactment forms part of the legal landscape that has shaped religious freedom and practices in the state.
Questionable Validity and Broader Implications

The constitutionality and validity of the 1988 state enactment have been questioned by legal experts. The law's application, including its use in the recent raid and subsequent investigation of BSM officials, has raised concerns. These actions have cast doubt on the sincerity and commitment of certain political leaders towards the fundamental constitutional guarantees of religious freedom for all Malaysians, particularly in light of earlier agreements like the Cabinet's 10-point solution from 2011.

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Why were churches told to stop using “Allah” under the 1988 law?

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