Treasure Sabah’s multicultural unity, says Pairin

KENINGAU: Diversity of races and religions in the state does not hinder the government from channelling various developments to the people, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan assured yesterday.

In fact, Pairin said unity among the various races and religions in Sabah was the key to implementing the government's policies for improving the wellbeing of the people in the state.

"Sabah has about 40 tribes because of mixed marriages and they are still able to live in peace and harmony.

"The government has managed the country well, blessed with a good economy, and they are committed to safeguarding national security and promoting a harmonious social culture," he said when launching a programme with the leaders of Pelayanan Persekutuan Murut Sidang Injil Borneo Sabah (PPMS) at the community hall here on Saturday.

Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister and Keningau member of parliament, said although Islam was the official religion in the country in accordance with the Constitution, religious freedom in the state was a privilege that must be maintained and should not be contaminated by negative elements.

He added that it was not easy for the government to foster values such as discipline, integrity and nobility among the people; and to this end, the government provided schools to educate these values according to the people's respective religious beliefs.

"The government's effort to foster unity has started since independence until now," he stressed.

At the same time, Pairin said for every Christian individual who has dedicated themselves to God, it is necessary to continue this practice to ensure that the Christian community are not affected by negative social cultures.

The influence of external culture is easily accessible through the internet, smartphones and other IT facilities; and they can change and influence the society, especially youths, he warned.

In this regard, Pairin said religious bodies have a role to play in creating awareness among the youths by exposing them to religious teachings and dissuading them from immoral activities.

After the launching ceremony, Pairin visited the construction site of a PPMS hall located about two kilometres from Keningau town.

Regarding the application for the wiring provision of the PPMS hall and the construction of a longhouse near the hall, Pairin said he would consider them and find ways to get funding from the relevant departments and agencies.

Also present at the event were PPMS chairman Ampalus Robert Sanaron, SIB Sook area head cum organising chairman Sokilim Andamat and PPMS committee members.