By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, Dec 16: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today advised Malays in the state to nurture strong bonds with each other.
He said this would help lead to a conflict-free environment among the Muslim community, and in turn, would enable them to continue living harmoniously with other communities in the state.
That, in turn, would earn the trust of non-Muslims in the state for the Malays of Sarawak to become the administrator of the state, he added.
He cited Baghdad, as an example. Its capital of Iraq in the Middle East, which was once a great Muslim civilisation, fell due to the Iraq war.
“That is because of the weakness of the Muslims there. Because the bond among themselves was weak, their civilization is destroyed,” Abang Johari said at the closing of the state-level Zikir Marhaban Open Competition 2018 at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Convention Centre, near here, today.
The competition was organised by the Sarawak Malay National Association (SMNA).
In relation to that, Abang Johari also reminded the Malays here to mend any misunderstandings among themselves because any quarrels within the community would not reflect well to the non-Muslims in the state, which could eventually erode their trust with them.
He urged Malay leaders to be fair in their administration to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
“We are lucky that we, in Sarawak, are blessed with harmony as well as natural resources, and good governance,” he said. — DayakDaily
