Nor Bee Ariffin J:

GROUNDS OF JUDGMENT Introduction

[1]A directive was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 5.12.1986 (the impugned Directive) to all Christian publications regarding “Penggunaan Istillah/ Perkataan Yang digunakan Dalam Penerbitan Agama Kristian Berbahasa Malaysia”. The impugned Directive stated that 12 words “Al-Kitab”, “Firman”, “Rasul”, “Syariat”, “Iman”, “Ibadah”, “Injil”, “Wahyu”, “Nabi”, “Syukur”, “Zikir” and “Doa” are permitted to be used and “Sekiranya penerbitan tersebut berbentuk buku atau risalah yang hendak disebarkan atau dijual perkataan “UNTUK AGAMA KRISTIAN”, disyaratkan ditulis di kulit luar (muka depan) buku atau risalah tersebut.” 4 words namely “Allah”, “Kaabah”, “Baitullah” and “Solat” are prohibited.

[2]The respondent claimed that the impugned Directive was a Cabinet decision and it relate to the policy of the Government at that point of time. Public order formed the underlying basis the impugned Directive was made.

[3]As the impugned Directive has not been withdrawn, the officers of the respondents continue to exercise the power under section 9(1)Printing Presses And Publications Act 1984

[4]This judicial review application arose out of the