Be wary of those stirring up religious sentiments
KOTA KINABALU: Be wary of those who use religion as an issue to segregate the people, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.
Irresponsible parties will make religion a case because they have no solid argument, and the public must not to be influenced by such provocations, he said.
“Nowadays, certain parties are coming out of the woodwork to give rise to racial and religious issues which we as Sabahans know are not a problem here.
“We have no racial sentiments or religious animosity, which is why we must realise that people who try to stir up such issues are frustrated and have no arguments, hence resorting to spreading lies and empty promises,” he said in his speech at the State-level Multaqa Murabbi Ummah at Wisma Muis, yesterday.
He also said the event came at a right time in the midst of trials from various fields and dimensions, which could challenge the social climate especially in the State.
“Lately, there have been parties who have tried to jeopardise religious harmony and if these issues are not handled wisely, it could lead to prolonged dispute and conflict,” he added.
Musa assured that the government makes a conscious effort to meet and approach the people to ensure there are no such problems, further urging everyone to work together in maintaining a harmonious environment.
“Harmony, tolerance and a spirit of togetherness will bring political stability to the State, which will then help us prosper,” he said.
He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak for allocations amounting to RM47,502,648 to be channelled towards Islamic development in the State.
From the allocation, RM7.38 million was given in a one-off special payment for imam, bilal and siak, as well as takmir and kafa teachers in the State.
This is a testament of the federal government’s consideration for the development of Islam in Sabah, said Musa, in addition to the good relationship between the State government and the federal government which allows discussions that result in action being taken to benefit Sabah in the long run.
A total of 1,300 Murabbi or educators comprising religious teachers and imam were present at yesterday’s event.
Musa commended the effort led by the Islamic Religious Affairs Department of Sabah (JHEAINS) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to gather educators to promote unity for the advancement of the State.
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Dato’ Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki.