I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.
– Thomas Jefferson, 3rd US President
Over the past week, two or three videos of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg were making the rounds in social media, all exuding positive vibes.
I must have received the videos several times and I guess they have gone viral.
Let me thank those responsible for posting the short videos for they were remarks made by the premier which should make us, Sarawakians, proud.
I can recall what was stated by Abang Johari in the videos. He spoke about the “chopsticks” and “Fatimah” controversies which took place in Malaya in recent times.
Our premier did right to tick off those stirring up such senseless issues. Abang Johari said he could not understand why such trivial matters like chopsticks and the name of a whiskey were so hotly debated in Malaya.
Such issues would never have been problematic in Sarawak at all, he pointed out.
In another video, the premier related a long-standing understanding between Umno and PBB in which the former was advised not to “come to Sarawak”.
According to Abang Johari, PBB told Umno to appreciate that “when you talk about religion (Islam), how can we harp on it when we have non-Muslims in PBB”.
That was this tacit understanding among us in Barisan Nasional then and it was a good thing for there was political stability for so many decades, unlike now, the premier added.
I brought up Abang Johari’s videos in this article because there is nothing like the racial harmony and religious tolerance in Sarawak that is so well known and depicted with so much pride in the videos. Again, I must repeat that I’m always proud to mention that, as a loyal Sarawakian.
Over in Malaya, the ugly episodes continue in the runup to two by-elections in Johore, polling of which is scheduled for this Saturday.
This time it was an issue of a religious nature carelessly brought up in the heat of the election campaign.
At the centre of the storm is Perikatan Nasional (PN) leader Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who had declared that it was “haram” to vote for Pakatan Harapan’s Pulai candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.
How many times have the voices of reason in the country caution our politicians against mixing religion with politics? It seems to have fallen on deaf ears.
We all know that religion is a deeply personal and emotional matter. When religious beliefs are injected into political debates, it can polarise society, create tension, and lead to conflicts.
Separating the two realms helps maintain a more civil and inclusive political discourse. And that is why in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like Malaysia, the two should not mix because the consequences can be toxic.
Honestly, I was very surprised that Muhyiddin has to come out with such “unwarranted” campaign material. Of all people, the Bersatu president should know better. He was a former prime minister, and should not act like the typical political rabblerouser.
So, I would like to ask Muhyiddin, “Why the ‘haram’ edict, Sir”. It went down very badly with many Malaysians, in case you didn’t know.
Rightly, several Umno leaders have come to the defence of Pakatan Harapan’s Suhaizan after Muhyiddin’s ‘haram’ declaration.
Muhyiddin made the remarks during a ceramah in Kempas over the weekend while urging voters to show their anger to the government.
“Don’t give a single vote to Suhaizan. I will make an edict, (it is) haram,” he said.
Muhyiddin was aware that his remarks would be challenged.
“Tomorrow there will be those who challenge me asking which fatwa I followed (to make the edict),” he said.
Sure enough, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi asked Muhyiddin to explain this.
“I want to ask this person (Muhyiddin), which Quranic verse, hadith, qiyas (deductive work), or ulama consensus view (was used to make the edict)?” Zahid was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
I would also like to inform Muhyiddin that Bukit Aman is also taking note of his political ‘edict’, in case he is unaware.
Referring to the issue, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said police would investigate the remark if there is a report lodged with the authority.
Ayob also warned politicians against touching on 3Rs (race, religion and royalty), saying that police will not tolerate such acts.
Whatever reasons Muhyiddin has for his ‘haram’ declaration does not justify his action. It was to say, the least, a very poor judgement on his part.
If Muhyiddin has no qualms about crossing the red line over just two little by-elections, I fear the worst when it comes to a general election.
Someone has to talk sense to him. I think Muhyiddin could learn a thing or two about leaving religion out of politics from Sarawak Premier Abang Johari.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
