LDP condemns protest over Tawau Christmas celebration
KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth leader Sim Fui yesterday condemned the group claiming to represent the Muslim community in Tawau for attempting to cause racial discord and hatred through their protest against Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He said the government and relevant authorities should deny these extremists from entering Sabah, or if necessary, expel them from the state, to prevent them from further damaging the unity and harmony among the people here.
Sim, along with his Central Youth assistant leader Chin Vun Pheaw, treasurer Loong Kok Seng, committee member Brian Lee Hung Liang and Central New Gen Youth leader Eric Lau, lodged a report against the protest at Karamunsing police headquarters here yesterday.
He rubbished the group's claim that the Christmas and New Year celebrations organized by Deputy Chief Minister cum Tawau member of parliament Christina Liew's parliamentary office was disrespectful to the Muslim community.
“People of different racials, religious and cultural backgrounds co-exist harmoniously in Sabah.
“These highly irresponsible accusations could damage racial amity and incite tension among Sabahans.”
Hence, Sim hoped that the government and relevant authorities could investigate the individuals involved and uncover their motive.
“Sabahans reject such extremist views. If necessary, the authority should expel these individuals from Sabah to prevent them from destroying our unity.”
He said Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's presence at the national-level Christmas Open House at Padang Merdeka here recently showed that the Deputy Prime Minister embraced activities that promoted racial unity and harmony.
“Does the group think that it was wrong for the Deputy Prime Minister to participate in the Christmas celebration as well?”
Nonetheless, Sim believed that Sabahans would be wise enough not to be influenced by the group.
“Although PAS Tawau division has made a public apology on this matter, the damage has been done,” he added.