KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must continue to serve as a model of harmony and multicultural understanding amid growing racial and religious tensions elsewhere in the country, said Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Officiating at the annual gathering of the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA) Sabah, Masidi described the “two-in-one” celebration of iftar and Chinese New Year as a meaningful reflection of the state’s long-standing spirit of unity.
He extended his appreciation to MACMA Malaysia president Datuk Dr Taufiq, who flew in from Kuala Lumpur for the event, as well as MACMA Sabah chairman Dr Ritchie Cheng and other distinguished guests present.
Masidi also acknowledged the attendance of Datuk Awang Ahmad Shah, the newly appointed director of the Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (JAIN), and the director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit (UPPM), apologising for initially overlooking the latter.
Commending MACMA for consistently organising the annual event, Masidi said such gatherings were significant for Sabah as they reflected the close ties among the state’s diverse communities.
“Not many places have succeeded as well as Sabah in ensuring good relationships among people of different faiths,” he said, noting that it was common in the state for members of the same family to practise different religions while remaining united as brothers and sisters.
Representatives from various religious bodies, including an Indian temple, were also present, underscoring the inclusive nature of the celebration.
Masidi said Sabah’s example was especially important at a time when the nation faced periodic strains in race and religious relations.
“When we look around us, we may not face these issues here in Sabah or Sarawak. But sometimes, when we travel or read reports, we feel uneasy about the growing religious tensions from time to time,” he said.
He stressed that the formation of Malaysia was premised on multiracial and multireligious harmony, a spirit that Sabah had successfully upheld and which should serve as a model for other regions, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia.
While acknowledging that challenges were inevitable, Masidi urged Malaysians to resolve differences through dialogue and compromise rather than hostility.
“There is no meaning to life if we must harm another person in order to survive. Whatever problems and differences we have, we should sit down, discuss them, and find solutions that can satisfy everyone,” he said.
He added that while it was impossible to please everyone entirely, the priority must be to preserve harmony and ensure continued progress for the state and nation.
On development, Masidi announced that the state government had approved land for the Chinese Muslim Council to establish a Chinese Islamic Centre in Sabah.
He said the proposed centre would not only include a mosque but could also incorporate cultural facilities that might eventually become a tourist attraction.
“The Sabah government is supportive of MACMA Sabah’s agenda and activities,” he said, expressing hope that the initiative would further strengthen cultural understanding and unity in the state.
Masidi concluded by congratulating MACMA on its efforts and thanking all attendees for their continued commitment to fostering harmony in Sabah.
Comments
Post a Comment