SARIKEI: Mutual respect between religions, cultures and customs is essential in maintaining harmony among the various ethnic groups in Malaysia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said that Ministry of National Unity, led by a Sarawakian MP Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, symbolises racial and religious harmony at the highest level.
“This appointment of Aaron sends a strong message of racial and religious harmony, regardless of background and culture. This should be emulated by all states in Malaysia,” he said during his speech at the Pre-Gawai celebration at Sarikei Central Hall today (May 19).
Ahmad Zahid also said that ingraining mutual respect between religions and races in society could prevent incidents like the attack at Ulu Tiram police station and the trespassing at Istana Negara.
“In Islam, we do not teach people to be terrorists; instead, we are taught to respect each other. Such acts of violence are committed by those who do not understand what Islam is,” he added.
He also urged politicians to avoid politicising issues related to Royalty, Religion and Race (the 3Rs).
“This is very inappropriate because if these differences of opinion cannot be managed, it will lead to misunderstandings that could result in civil war. Many countries with a single religion and culture still have differing thoughts, but in Malaysia, we have various ethnicities, races, and religions living harmoniously because we are very tolerant,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, and Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.
