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BY LEE SHI-IAN October 13, 2013

Whatever the outcome of tomorrow's ruling on whether the Roman Catholic Church can use the word "Allah" in its weekly publication the Herald, it will definitely impact Malaysia and the international community, said PAS central committee member Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa (pic).

Mujahid said no matter what the Court of Appeal decides, politicians will continue to raise the issue and Islamist parties like PAS will be tested in its call for the freedom of faith.

"Malays will be tested in their pursuit of defending Islam but at the same time complying with Article 11 of the Federal Constitution, where the freedom of faith is protected," he told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Mujahid added that the theory that Christians proselytise Muslims will increase and they will be seen as the enemy of Islam.

The Parit Buntar MP said there were several issues which the appellate court would take into consideration, including Islam as the religion of the state and multi-racial dynamics.

He felt that the influence of the ruling party, Umno, may play a part.

"The issue also covers the freedom of the press, as Catholics were banned from using the word 'Allah' in their publication The Herald. But the High Court ruled that the ban was contradicting the notion of freedom, despite the publication being limited to Christians only," WSJ reported Mujahid as saying.

"However, I think that the issue was given such a highlight for the purpose of political gain instead of exploring a brighter future in interfaith relations.

"Both Umno and PAS will be forced to play the racial and religious card for the purpose of wooing voters.

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