KUCHING, April 2: Do not spread hatred to East Malaysia, where Sarawak Malays, known for their secularism and tolerance, remain resilient against the influenced of bigots from Malaya.
Highlighting this, Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (SAPA) publicity chief Peter John Jaban emphasised that it is crucial for Sarawak Malays to reject the extremism witnessed among certain Malayan Malays, as acts of arson or terrorism are foreign to the culture fabric of Sarawak.
He emphasised the crucial importance of upholding principles of peace, respect, and inclusivity.
In a joint statement with Sabah Defenders of Ancestral Lands (MOPOT) Atama Katama, both of them strongly condemned the recent attacks on KK Mart, stemming from the ‘Allah’ socks issue, including the recent incident involving a Molotov cocktail at KK Mart Satok outlet here.
“The recent surge in hate speech and religious intolerance, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, has raised grave concerns among Sarawakians and Sabahans residing in East Malaysia.
“These incidents signal a broader issue—a culture of intolerance and bigotry fueled by hate preachers and political opportunists. This troubling pattern not only erodes social cohesion but also exposes systemic failures in law enforcement and governance,” they expressed in their statement today.
The social activists called for increased vigilance among Sarawak and Sabah rangers and civilian traditional guards, stressing the urgent need for a unified stance against hate speech, religious intolerance, and terrorism.
Furthermore, they emphasised that the use of hate speech and intolerance to undermine businesses not only stains Malaysia’s reputation but also threatens its economic stability.
Peter and Ataman also echoed the call by various quarters for swift and decisive action to identify and prosecute the perpetrators responsible for these violent acts. — DayakDaily
