Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's is now passing the buck after it became clear that Putrajaya's 10-point solution on the use of the term 'Allah' by non-Muslims was flawed, said opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.
 
He was referring to Najib's statement on Friday that the 10-point solution was subjected to enactments which ban non-Muslims from using the word 'Allah' which exists in several states in Peninsular Malaysia.
 
"That is passing the buck. The legislation (enactments) was initiated by the federal government and implemented by the states.
 
"Some states have full authority and jurisdiction while some states make it abundantly clear jurisdiction is not under the state government but under the rulers," he told a press conference in Subang Jaya today.
 
Anwar acknowledge that the matter was "complex" and a national consensus was required.
 
He added that there is a void in the manner Najib had addressed the recent series of conflicts.
 
"When you are a prime minister, you have to say with clarity your position on specific issues. What is your view towards groups inciting riots and talking about May 13?
 
"What is your position with the incessant campaign by your party stalwart that Islam is under siege or non-Muslims will take over. These (issues) must be addressed," he said.

Consensus

 
Despite the ongoing provocation, Anwar said the opposition had responded in a measured manner by calling for dialogue and national consensus.
 
"I don't believe anyone can dispel or ignore the fact that people are genuinely concerned about the future of this nation...
 
"I express that sentiment by calling for an immediate dialogue," he said.
 
Over the last several weeks, Umno and other right wing leaders have protested against Christians use of the word 'Allah", accusing the community of attempting to proselytise Muslims.
 
Umno had on Jan 17 also backed a protest threatening May 13 riots in Penang in response to a PKR leader mocking the prime minister for his kangkung gaffe .
 
Najib had lamented that the public complained of price hikes but did not praise the government when the price of kangkung went down, a statement that turned viral and earned him brickbats on social media.