KUCHING, Mar 11: History has shown that mixing of religion and politics in the same bowl is a recipe for destruction.
According to Parti Keadilan Rakyat Sarawak Secretary-General Joshua Jabeng, a country can only be great when there is a separate of the two powers and those who propagate such a thought is tearing the country apart.
“History has taught us that religion when mixed with politics can become very destructive and must be avoided. Great countries have become what they are because they have learned that diversity is not a disaster.
“Political extremists in the name of religion have done much to tear this country apart. Thus, every peace-loving Malaysians must reject. Let us unite and talk about economic recover after Covid-19. Together we will prosper,” said Joshua.
On Kuala Lumpur High Court decision to allow the words “Allah”, “Baitullah”, “Solat” and “Kaabah” to be used by non-Muslim, Joshua welcomed it and described it “a breath of fresh hope after a period of suffocating harassment by the authorities”.
“The Malaysian Federal Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion in this country is finally respected.
“Malaysians who have co-existed neighbourly in peace despite having different religious convictions since time immemorial cannot accept that suddenly it is no longer the same.
“Sarawakians who have always lived together harmoniously and are not going to give up because of some political ambition,” said Joshua.
Kuala Lumpur High Court had yesterday ruled that the non-Muslim community may use the word “Allah” in their preaching and publications.
The High Court said the community can also use the words “Baitullah”, “Kaabah” and “solat” for teaching purposes which the Malaysian government has banned for 35 years.
The landmark decision was made by Court of Appeal judge Datuk Nor Bee Ariffin, who sat as a High Court judge. – DayakDaily
