By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 31: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has strongly condemned the national Islamist party PAS for criticising Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming, over a Christmas celebration involving Muslim staff singing carols, calling it an affront to Sarawakian values of religious harmony and multiculturalism.
DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen called on PAS to cease exploiting religion for political gain, warning that such extreme teachings and irresponsible actions only serve to ignite unnecessary racial tension in the country.
“PAS’ repeated attacks against the Minister are not merely directed at Nga and DAP but are also an insult to the values that Sarawakians hold dear, especially religious harmony and multiculturalism.
“DAP Sarawak firmly stands with Nga in upholding diversity, inclusivity, and progressiveness while condemning PAS for promoting religious intolerance and sowing disunity,” Chong said in a statement in backing Nga today.
Chong highlighted that Nga had clarified the participants in the carolling were predominantly Christians from Sabah and Sarawak.
He added that for these Christians, working far from home during the Christmas season, the celebration brought warmth and comfort.
“To Sabahan and Sarawakian Christians working in West Malaysia, it doesn’t feel good to be separated from family during the festive season. Nga’s gesture brought them the spirit of Christmas while they were away from home,” Chong explained.
The Stampin MP also pointed out that in Sarawak, it is perfectly normal for Muslims to celebrate Christmas with their Christian friends and vice versa during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
He criticised PAS for promoting extremist views that undermine such harmonious interactions between communities.
“Only extremists like PAS, with their divisive teachings, forbid such meaningful interactions. This extremist agenda will alienate PAS from the majority of Sabahans, Sarawakians, and progressive Muslims, as well as non-Muslims nationwide,” he said, warning that PAS’ actions could exacerbate racial tension and hinder national unity.
He called on authorities to take action against the party for inciting racial and religious disharmony.
The controversy began on Dec 24, when PAS Youth vice-chief Hanif Jamaluddin criticised the Ministry’s Christmas celebration for involving Muslim staff, arguing that Muslims should not participate in events contrary to Islamic teachings.
Nga subsequently clarified that the staff seen in the viral video singing Christmas songs were primarily from Sabah and Sarawak, including many of Kadazan Dusun descent, emphasising the Ministry’s commitment to mutual respect and harmony. — DayakDaily
