How Many National Languages Do We Need?

The whole controversy on the use of "Allah" has unearthed an important question for us. Is the Malay language for Muslims only?

It seems that those who are against Christians using the term are suggesting that the Malay language are not for non-Muslims. In some Malayan states, laws have been enacted to bar non-Muslims from using "Allah" and other religious terms while in Sabah a fatwa* has been issued banning Muslims from using "Allah" and many other religious terms.

When even a word like "iman" (faith) is barred from being used by non-Muslims, what does this say about the position of non-Muslims with regard to the Malay language?

It seems that those who are against Christian use of the word "Allah" would prefer another national language for non-Muslims. If this is true, then we would have one national language for the Muslims, which is Malay, and another national language for the non-Muslims which could be English.

Then we would need to have English stream schools, where non-Muslim students must attend, and Malay-medium schools where Muslims must attend.

Is this what we want? It seems as though there are those out there who would want this. If true, then why not make their voices be heard now, so that the Government can give in to their demands.

This way we would have two national languages, one for Muslims and another for non-Muslims, and those bigots out there would be very pleased that non-Muslims no longer speak Malay and therefore the possibility of them uttering certain words is eliminated.

*religious decree issued by clerics