I rarely have time to read the papers or news online being busy with a toddler, a baby and household chores these days. I merely glance through headlines now to see what’s going on in our country and international news. One of today’s local headlines – “Allah is ok for Sabah and Sarawak Christians” – left me dumbstruck for a second. Lost for words to describe how our government, UMNO to be precise, can be so stupid.

So I take it peninsular Christians can’t call god Allah. Only Christians in Sabah and Sarawak are allowed to. We can only interpret UMNO’s decision to do so is a politically one. UMNO wants to appease East Malaysian voters and no amount of reasoning or spin is going to make us believe otherwise. Sabah and Sarawak after all, proved to be UMNO’s saviour in the last general election.

UMNO first banned Christian calling their god “Allah” as this is seen as a threat to Islamic faith among the Muslims. And UMNO consistently opposed the ruling overturning the ban. Why the sudden flip-flop? And doing it in such a ridiculous way having two sets of law within Malaysia. There can, here cannot.

Today’s dumb decision proves there is truth in accusations of UMNO using this “Allah” issue for political gains. Using religion and race to hold on to power, there is no depth too low for UMNO. Just don’t drag us right minded Malaysians along on your way down. As government, you bring shame and humiliation to the country. And you make Malaysians the most fragile and insecure Muslims in the eyes of the world.