KUCHING, Aug 31: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan calls on all levels of society to condemn any move and statement that may cause potential racial and religious tension.
Kho was responding to the recent remarks by Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Nik Salleh about the Bible, that it was “distorted or changed”. The Association of Churches in Sarawak subsequently released a statement calling for a retraction and apology from the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) MP.
“Nik Muhammad Zawawi should be banned from entering Sarawak.
“His remark about the holy Bible being corrupted or manipulated is totally unacceptable, especially coming from a people’s representative.
“Multiracial community seating in a restaurant having meals together is a common scene in Sarawak. We pride ourselves as the community who celebrate each other’s faiths and cultures.
“Therefore Sarawak doesn’t need people like him stepping onto Bumi Kenyalang to disturb our peace and harmony,” she asserted in a statement.
Kho highlighted that many Malaysians who have never stepped foot into Sarawak may not know that many formal Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) events in Sarawak started with the recital of doa (prayer) by an ustaz, but also prayers led by senior members of churches.
She added that it was evident the political culture in Sarawak includes all religions and therefore, it is sad to see some West Malaysian politicians continue to dwell on racial and religious issues instead of creating forward-looking policies to advance the country. — DayakDaily
