Gerakan President, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon today called for attempts to seek a win-win solution on the controversy relating to the recent High Court decision allowing Christians to use the term “Allah.”

“Everyone concerned should approach this issue with a cool head but a warm heart,” said Dr Koh who is also the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of National Unity, who had just returned from overseas this (Tuesday) afternoon.

“I understand that the Christian Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak have been using the term “Allah” to refer to God even before Independence and so have the Sikh community in their Holy Book. Hence, it is not a recent phenomenon or even an intentional attempt to confuse or convert Muslims,“ said Dr Koh.

“To bar them from using the term “Allah” will be tantamount to restricting their religious practice and use of languages, as the term has become part of their own languages and in Bahasa Malaysia.”

“On the other hand, the apprehension that by allowing this term in Christian publications may confuse some Muslims should also be addressed constructively, even though it is clear any attempt to convert Muslims is clearly prohibited by law.”

“Therefore, in the spirit of 1Malaysia, both sides must try to understand and emphatise with the concerns and fears of each other and be as inclusive as possible in seeking a solution, said Dr Koh.