By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 15: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has called on an Umno leader to issue a public apology over insensitive remarks targeting Catholic clergy and Christian scripture, emphasising that religious boundaries must never be breached for political gain.
In a statement today, Yap expressed deep disappointment that sacred scriptures and religious figures were used as material in a political speech.
He stressed that whilst robust political debate and policy disagreements are standard in a democracy, mocking another person’s faith crosses an unacceptable line
‘‘We can disagree politically. We can debate policies strongly. But we should never make another person’s faith, religious leaders, or sacred beliefs the subject of ridicule,’’ he said.
Demanding accountability, the assemblyman urged the Umno leader involved to acknowledge the harm caused, formally withdraw the statements and extend an unreserved public apology to the Christian community.
In addition, he presented a RM100,000 grant from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to Christ Baptist Church which was received by its Senior Pastor, Reverend Greman Ujang, on behalf of the church.
‘‘This RM100,000 grant is about supporting the needs of the church and its congregation. Unifor is one of the ways the Sarawak government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that different religious communities receive attention and support,’’ he explained.
He added that places of worship serve as vital civic infrastructure, functioning not only as centres for worship but as community hubs for fellowship and social welfare. — DayakDaily
