PETALING JAYA (July 16): The Vatican's envoy to Malaysia has apologised for the "misunderstandings and inconveniences" that his comments on the "Allah" issue may have caused, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

Archbishop Joseph Marino, who was summoned to Wisma Putra this afternoon, also explained that it was never his intention to meddle in the internal affairs of Malaysia, said Anifah.

Anifah said he drew the attention to Marino that the views he expressed in the media have caused a controversy and evoked strong public reaction.

"Archbishop Marino was advised to be mindful of the religious sensitivities of the host country and that the issue he commented on is still under the Court of Appeal. 

"In this regard, Archbishop Marino was asked to observe the basic principles in diplomatic practices and non-interference with the domestic affairs of the host country," said Anifah in a statement. 

The minister said Marino also reaffirmed his support for interfaith dialogue including Malaysia's initiative on the Global Movement of Moderates. 

"Moving forward, both sides agreed to work closely in further strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Holy See as well as promoting closer relations among all religions," said Anifah.

The current controversy erupted following an interview given by Marino, Vatican's first envoy to Malaysia, on July 11.

Marino had supported the right of the country's Catholic community's to use the word "Allah" as a Bahasa Malaysia translation for God.

He had also applauded the arguments made by the Christian Federation of Malaysia to use "Allah" in its texts to refer to God as very well done.

His comments caused a stir and resulted in many Muslim groups, such as Perkasa and Jasa who demanded for his apology and asked the government to shut down the Vatican embassy if he fails to do so.