Sabahans: This is the way we are and it’s how we live

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans have come to the defence of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for attending the thanksgiving function of his Parti Warisan Sabah colleague on Saturday.

Shafie, who is Warisan president, was seen in a viral video sitting next to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong at a thanksgiving gathering held at the latter’s house in Likas.

Netizens on social media said it was common for Sabahans of different faiths and ethnicities to come together at such gatherings, notwithstanding their personal beliefs.

Amid criticism from certain quarters, including the Friends of BN Barisan Nasional Facebook page, many users have noted that such a practice was normal and would usually go unnoticed, if not for some who purposely try to provoke for their own political motives.

Facebook user Suhaila Ahmad said such camaraderie was normal in Sabah.

“I am always invited to Christmas gatherings by my Christian friends since little. Just because we attend such functions, it does not mean that we are changing our faith.

“It just means we respect others’ religions,” she wrote in a posting.

Chrislah Lantinus said it was not a problem for Shafie to be present at the function.

“He respects other religions. Many of my own family members will attend religious functions in other people’s homes, even if they are not practising the faith.

“Faith comes from the heart. He is not forced to convert to Christianity just by sitting there,” said her Facebook posting.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Azis Jamman said he saw no reason for anyone to make a big fuss of Shafie’s attendance at the gathering.

“There are some in Peninsular Malaysia who may not understand that this is how we live in Sabah.

“We live in harmony despite our different race and religion. It is not a problem for us, and not a big deal. Furthermore, there were many other party members of different faith who were also there,” he said yesterday.