KUCHING: Sarawak is doing it right — that no religious extremists and bigots to be allowed into the state.
A political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has nailed it in saying that Sarawak does not want any religious extremist and bigot from anywhere, including Malaya to come to Sarawak.
“Extremism in any form is bad to a generally peaceful and stable Sarawak which is free from racial and religious trouble and strife.
“Compared to Malaya, Sarawak is almost heavenly in terms of racial and religious understanding and acceptance among the people,” Minos commented.
He noted that the problem in Malaya is that there are too many religious issues being politicised.
“When religion is mixed with politics, there is a real danger that issues might explode.
“It is best and wisest that politics and religion be strictly separated.
“We are very lucky in Sarawak, where the people of all races — Malays, Melanaus, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Chinese and even Indians acknowledge and accept each other very well,” said Minos.
Hence, he said Sarawak has every reason to keep things as they are and not be polluted by any form of religious and racial extremism and bigotry, as seen and experienced in Malaya.
“Syabas to our chief minister. Keep on reminding in case people forgets,” added Minos.
He said Sarawak is also very unique and the only state in Malaysia to have a Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“The non-Muslims in Sarawak deeply appreciate the establishment of Unifor which is helping churches, temples and other non-Muslim entities and religious bodies.”
