By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Mar 4: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg calls on Sarawakian Muslims to respect other communities and strive for excellence to earn the respect of others.
“Respect has to be earned and people will only respect us when we are outstanding and kind.
“We don’t force people to be converted to Islam but we move them through our good deeds that their hearts may be touched. If they want to be a Muslim, it is their choice,” said Abang Johari.
Abang Johari also advised the Muslim community to understand the difference between culture and faith in Islamic teaching.
“What is wrong with using chopsticks after conversion? The use of chopsticks is only cultural,” he said as an example, stressing the importance of being able to make a distinction between cultural practices that do not constitute the core of Islamic faith.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also called on the Muslim community to emulate other communities to advance together to achieve the vision of 2030 where Sarawak aims to be the most developed state in Malaysia.
Citing the example of a Bidayuh entrepreneur whom he had met in Serikin recently, Abang Johari said the woman was able to sell her products such as rotan baskets and bags to the United States through her online business which raked in an annual income of RM200,000.
He stressed the importance of the Bidayuh woman’s tenacity and entrepreneurship; that despite being in a remote part of Sarawak, she was able to sell her products as far as the United States.
“If they (the Bidayuh youth) can do that, the Muslim youth surely can also do the same thing,” said Abang Johari at the launch of Gagasan Ummah Gemilang held at Sarawak Islamic Complex today.
He encouraged Sarawakian Muslims to not only learn to be survivors but be those who can make their mark amid difficult situations.
“I want Anak Islam, when they are thrown into the sea, to turn into an island and when they are on land, to become mountains that stand tall,” said Abang Johari. —DayakDaily
