KUCHING, Aug 29: Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) has condemned the remarks made by Pasir Puteh MP Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh in Parliament claiming that the Bible had been distorted or changed from its original meaning.
The remarks were made during the debate on the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2020 to propose harsher sentencing for drunk driving offenders on 26 August 2020.
SPA secretary David Hii Chin Loung in a statement today said the association takes pride that the people of Sarawak have always enjoyed racial and religious harmony together and lived in peace amongst a diversity of backgrounds.
“Such remarks made were not only insensitive but thoughtless, careless and cannot be condoned. Even so when it was made during a Parliamentary session. Matters during a Parliamentary session should be free from religious and racial remarks. Both the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 guarantees and provides for the freedom of religion.
“SPA strongly condemns any remarks and or actions from any parties which may disrupt racial and religious harmony in Sarawak. Sarawak has always been an icon of multiracial harmony and we must continue to foster this which will lead to the nation’s success,” Hii pointed.
He added that SPA demands an apology from Nik Zawawi and hoped that in the future, the latter will set a better example for the people of Malaysia in encouraging and promoting religious and racial harmony.—DayakDaily
