Reuters/Kuala Lumpur

The Vatican’s first envoy to Malaysia has opened a storm of controversy by apparently supporting the use of the word “Allah” by Christians, prompting a rebuke from the government and condemnation from nationalist Malay groups in the majority-Muslim country.

The row underlines growing intolerance in the multi-ethnic, multi-religious country following an election in May that deepened the divide between majority Muslim Malays and minority ethnic Chinese, many of whom are Christian. Archbishop Joseph Marino was summoned to the foreign ministry on Tuesday after his comments last week on the issue.

“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,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.Marino, who arrived in the country in April, apologised for any “misunderstandings and inconveniences” his comments may have caused, but some Muslim organisations have demanded a full retraction or the envoy’s expulsion.

“The ambassador’s comment has touched on the sensitivities of Muslims and should not have happened, more so in the (fasting) month of Ramadan,” said Hassan Ali, the head of JATI, an Islamic group.