KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Malaysia's king has urged authorities to take stern action against religious hatemongers following controversy over the use of the word "Allah" by non-Muslims.

Eleven churches were attacked after Malaysia's High Court ruled
on New Year's Eve that Christians can use "Allah" to refer to God
in the Malay language. The government has appealed the verdict,
arguing that non-Muslim use of "Allah" can confuse Muslims and
even lure them to convert.

So far, 10 people have been charged in connection with the firebomb attacks on churches and other houses of worship in January. Most of the accused have been identified as Muslims.

Malaysia's constitutional monarch did not specifically refer to the dispute or the attacks, but said authorities should take
"stern action" against people who exploit freedom of speech to cause conflicts.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)