'Taib Mahmud's reminder directed at Umno'
Dukau PapauPublished: Dec 6, 2013 3:55 AM | Updated: Dec 6, 2013 4:04 AM
Sarawak's Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's remark that certain quarters have of late caused confusion on the status of Islam in Malaysia, especially where Sarawak and Sabah are concerned, was directed at Umno and its fanatic wings, says Sarawak PKR.
"I hope the federal government, which is dominated by Umno, will take Taib's call for the rejection of all forms of religious extremism seriously," state PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How said.
Sarawak's Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud's remark that certain quarters have of late caused confusion on the status of Islam in Malaysia, especially where Sarawak and Sabah are concerned, was directed at Umno and its fanatic wings, says Sarawak PKR.
"I hope the federal government, which is dominated by Umno, will take Taib's call for the rejection of all forms of religious extremism seriously," state PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How said.
"Umno and its fanatic wings should take the chief minister's words as a valuable guidance and reminder," See said.
See, who is Batu Lintang assemblyperson, was commenting on the statement by Taib when he officiated at the opening of a seminar, ‘Agama Islam, Agama Negara' in Kuching last Wednesday.
Taib's message was delivered in the presence of Muslim scholars and officiers from Islamic religious bodies such as the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) as well as the Muslim Lawyers Association Malaysia.
The chief minister said in his address: "The Malaysian government and every Muslim are duty-bound to ensure that Islam remains strong, but not in confrontation with other religions.
"Instead, Muslims should safeguard the freedom of worship of the other communities. Our role is to safeguard Islam and the rights of people of other faiths in order to maintain peace and harmony."
Taib went on to say that even in the Quran it was stated that before Islam established its government in Medina, the relationship between Muslims and Christians was cordial.
'Reject all forms of religious extremism'
"Likewise in Malaysia, its multiracial and multireligious people have been tolerant of one another," he said, but pointed out there were certain quarters that had caused confusion on the status of Islam, especially where it concerned Sarawak and Sabah.
"Malaysians must reject all forms of religious extremism for continued peace and harmony in the country," Taib warned.
Reacting to Taib's warning, See said: "To be fair to Taib, with whom we disagree on many aspects of his administration and governance of Sarawak, he has proven himself to be liberal and tolerant when it comes to matters concerning religion, holding true to the letter of the Sarawak Constitution.
"In a multiracial country like ours, with diversity in cultures, traditions, religious faiths and ways of life, the diversity in the melting pot is an asset that should be cherished and heartened.
"The perpetual racial tolerance and harmony in Sarawak is testimony that a country of differences and diversities can be governed and administered with distinction," See said.
"That's what Umno and its fanatic wings should learn from the chief minister of Sarawak, and I hope the federal government, which is dominated by Umno, will take Taib's words as a valuable guidance and reminder," he added.
Meanwhile, Parti Rakyat Sarawak president James Masing (right) said Taib has always pursued the freedom of religion in the state.
"In this, the chief minister has never deviated. I praise him for maintaining such persistent stance on religious freedom all these years," said Masing, who is the state land development minister.
"I hope the federal government, which is dominated by Umno, will take Taib's call for the rejection of all forms of religious extremism seriously," state PKR vice-chairperson See Chee How said.
"Umno and its fanatic wings should take the chief minister's words as a valuable guidance and reminder," See said.
See, who is Batu Lintang assemblyperson, was commenting on the statement by Taib when he officiated at the opening of a seminar, ‘Agama Islam, Agama Negara' in Kuching last Wednesday.Taib's message was delivered in the presence of Muslim scholars and officiers from Islamic religious bodies such as the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) as well as the Muslim Lawyers Association Malaysia.
The chief minister said in his address: "The Malaysian government and every Muslim are duty-bound to ensure that Islam remains strong, but not in confrontation with other religions.
"Instead, Muslims should safeguard the freedom of worship of the other communities. Our role is to safeguard Islam and the rights of people of other faiths in order to maintain peace and harmony."
Taib went on to say that even in the Quran it was stated that before Islam established its government in Medina, the relationship between Muslims and Christians was cordial.
'Reject all forms of religious extremism'
"Likewise in Malaysia, its multiracial and multireligious people have been tolerant of one another," he said, but pointed out there were certain quarters that had caused confusion on the status of Islam, especially where it concerned Sarawak and Sabah.
"Malaysians must reject all forms of religious extremism for continued peace and harmony in the country," Taib warned.
Reacting to Taib's warning, See said: "To be fair to Taib, with whom we disagree on many aspects of his administration and governance of Sarawak, he has proven himself to be liberal and tolerant when it comes to matters concerning religion, holding true to the letter of the Sarawak Constitution.
"In a multiracial country like ours, with diversity in cultures, traditions, religious faiths and ways of life, the diversity in the melting pot is an asset that should be cherished and heartened.
"The perpetual racial tolerance and harmony in Sarawak is testimony that a country of differences and diversities can be governed and administered with distinction," See said."That's what Umno and its fanatic wings should learn from the chief minister of Sarawak, and I hope the federal government, which is dominated by Umno, will take Taib's words as a valuable guidance and reminder," he added.
Meanwhile, Parti Rakyat Sarawak president James Masing (right) said Taib has always pursued the freedom of religion in the state.
"In this, the chief minister has never deviated. I praise him for maintaining such persistent stance on religious freedom all these years," said Masing, who is the state land development minister.
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