THE issue about the use of the word ‘Allah’ can adversely affect national unity if not resolved immediately, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

In his Royal Address in conjunction with his official birthday today, the King said that all parties should adopt a wise, orderly approach together with the spirit of high tolerance when facing sensitive issues.

“Therefore, I wish to remind that any polemic related to the religion may end up igniting the flame of hostility among races if not addressed immediately,” he said at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration at the Istana Negara on Monday (June 5).

“The polemic on the use of the word ‘Allah’ is not a debate about terminology or linguistics.

”It relates to the faith of the Muslims and any confusion will invite calamity,” Sultan Abdullah added.

The King said that the government must harmonise the current situation and at the same time ensure the correct context of the word ‘Allah’, taking into account national security, the well-being of the Muslim community and the position of the King and the Malay Rulers as the head of Islam.