KUCHING, Sept 19: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing says the scene of the Muslim stalls outside Jubilee Ground during the two-day Pentecostal Night depicts the real nature of Sarawak.
He said many might not notice that in the biggest Christian event of the year, it was the Malay community who sold drinks and food outside.
“This is Sarawak and I am proud to be Sarawakian. The Malay community did not mind the Christians having one of the biggest event. In fact, they took the opportunity to make money out of it. This is very wise and very entrepreneurial indeed,” said Masing in a statement issued here today.
The inaugural Pentecostal Night was organised by the Association of Churches Sarawak at Jubilee Ground last Friday and Saturday nights (Sept 14-15) where there was a combined recorded attendance of some 80,000.
Masing said the religious tolerance among Sarwakians is unique and should be preserved from extremists.
As such, he reiterated the stance of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) that in order to safeguard the existing peace and harmony among the various races and religions in Sarawak, its leaders would not hesitate to advise Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (CM) to exercise its autonomy over immigration as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“This is what Sarawak is all about…tolerance in all aspects of life – social, religion and culture. Politics is never a problem to us.
“Despite the difference in our politics, we remain friends. On the other hand, Malayan brand of politics divides and makes enemies of us Sarawakians.
“That’s why political extremism must never allow to rear its ugly head in Sarawak. To protect our harmony, it is crucial to maintain our immigration autonomy,” said Masing.— DayakDaily
