KUCHING: Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that financially helps and support churches, temples and other non-Muslim religious organisations through what is called Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
“In the whole of Malaysia, only Sarawak has such a thing. This shows that the state government does care and takes real interest in religions other than Islam,” said a political analyst Datuk Peter Minos.
“This is a real pride of Sarawak. Its people are genuinely tolerant of each other’s religious belief and this is reflected in the policies of the state government.”
Minos, who is also Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman, further noted that if they set their hearts to it Malayans have much to learn from Sarawak as their situation is more sensitive and even volatile.
He observed that in Malaya there always seems to be religious tension in the air, and right now there is tension over many issues including what a foreign Muslim preacher publicly said, while some people have called for boycott of goods manufactured by non-Muslims, etcetera.
“All these are disturbing issues which have created unnecessary doubts and suspicions in Malaya. And the authorities there seem unable or unwilling to do something about them,” he said.
He noted that over time, the contentious issues simmered down but by then they got etched in people’s memories especially those who feel aggrieved.
“This may be and can be the roots of future troubles,” he said.
Hence, Minos favours a policy of keeping outside religious and racial bigotry and extremism out of Sarawak.
“So, I say keep the policy for as long as we want Sarawak to be totally free of any religious and racial trouble. That will keep the state safe and peaceful always. This is the foundation for our economic and social growth over the years,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
