By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 19: Former Yugoslavia’s collapse should serve as a reminder of the dangers of racial and religious extremism with Sarawak needing to continue safeguarding the harmony that has long united its diverse communities.
Speaking on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the 18th Gawai Carnival REDEEMS at the REDEEMS Centre Singai on Saturday (July 18), Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s strength lies in its diversity with 34 recognised ethnic groups and followers of different faiths living peacefully alongside one another.
He cautioned that such harmony should never be taken for granted, saying societies that fail to foster mutual respect among different races and religions risk fragmentation.
Drawing on the example of former Yugoslavia, Abdul Karim said the once-unified nation broke apart after ethnic and religious divisions deepened following the death of its longtime leader, Josip Broz Tito.
“They had Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro. After President Tito’s death, the whole country disintegrated, partly because some races felt they were superior to others and some believed their religion was better than the rest,” he said.
He said the civil war that followed ultimately saw Yugoslavia split into several independent states, describing it as a lesson for any multi-ethnic society.
“That is why we in Malaysia especially in Sarawak, have got to be very careful. If any ethnicity or religious group begins to feel it is superior to others or believes only it should lead the nation or the State, there is always the tendency that we could also disintegrate,” he said.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak had long demonstrated that people of different ethnicities and religions could live together peacefully through mutual respect and understanding.
“We are proud because in Sarawak we have always been very tolerant and respectful of each other. Even here tonight, we have Bidayuhs, Malays, Chinese, Ibans and people of many different beliefs gathering together.
“This is the kind of environment we must protect and preserve because extremism in a diverse society can easily lead to division,” he added.
Without naming specific parties, Abdul Karim cautioned against importing divisive race- and religion-based politics into Sarawak, saying such sentiments could threaten the State’s peaceful coexistence.
“We do not want to see toxic politics polluting the peaceful environment that we have in Sarawak,” he said.
To illustrate Sarawak’s culture of religious tolerance, Abdul Karim shared that he had personally helped establish church building committees in several villages within his constituency despite being Muslim.
He said preserving this culture of mutual respect was essential to ensuring Sarawak remained united despite its ethnic and religious diversity. —DayakDaily
