Opposition figure in Malaysia supports non-Muslims in 'Allah' row

Malaysia’s Islamic opposition party leader said non-Muslims should be allowed to use the word “Allah”.

Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s comments indirectly question a government ban, which has been criticised by Christians as a blow to freedom of religion in the Muslim-majority nation.

Mr Nik Aziz, the leader of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, said a verse in the Koran in which Mecca’s non-Muslims call their God “Allah” supports his point.

His views are an unexpected boost for Malaysia’s Christian minorities who have gone to court to challenge the ban. The government claims the use of “Allah” by non-Muslims would confuse Muslims.