By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 15: What is the fuss over observing Chinese wedding tea ceremony, sitting on top of gong for the Dayaks or non-Muslim wearing a songkok, questioned Sarawak Premier and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the 16th PBB Convention at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, Abang Johari expressed perplexity over a recent proposal for guidelines restricting Muslims from attending non-Muslim events and celebrations.
“This is our culture of respect, acceptance, and tolerance—we will not be divided. For example, there are certain rules concerning the marriage of Muslims and non-Muslims. If Douglas invites me to his child’s wedding, what am I supposed to do? Should I tell him to wait while I refer to some book? That’s ridiculous!” he remarked.
Sarawak, he emphasised, has long embraced intermarriage, making such restrictive guidelines impractical. He cited Lutong, where a mosque and a church stand side by side, as an example of the Sarawak’s religious harmony.
“If we practiced the book, should we go to church or mosque first? Should we fight over this? ‘Ndak ku tau eh, na pa…’ (I don’t know, what’s wrong…). Under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS), we ensure equality and balance while taking care of Sarawak’s well-being,” he said.
“Jaga Sarawak baik-baik you”, he cited the words of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem while calling on Sarawakians to watch over each other and avoid fighting.
Abang Johari further illustrated how cultural traditions should be embraced rather than restricted.
“In Chinese weddings, there’s a tea ceremony. We drink tea because it’s part of the culture—what’s wrong with that? If a Dayak wedding requires sitting on top of a gong, what’s wrong? If a non-Muslim marries a Muslim and needs to wear a songkok, just wear it! What’s the fuss?” he questioned.
Stressing that conviction to a religion is a personal relationship with God, he quoted the Quranic term “Hablullah” to highlight the individual’s duty to faith.
He dismissed superficial judgments, stating, “Some might see Abang Jo wearing a batik top without a hat and think I am not convicted to Islam. But how do you know? It is between me and God, just like prayer.”
He underscored that Islam teaches understanding and respect among humans. “There are two pillars—to observe our relationship with Allah and with each other. As Douglas stressed, ‘You are not alone.’ PBB is not alone. We work with SUPP, PRS, and PDP. That is why we have mutual understanding, as long as we do not bash one another.”
Reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to inclusivity, Abang Johari highlighted PBB’s role in serving all communities, notably it is the only State in Malaysia with the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), in ensuring the welfare of other faiths.
“In return, they pray for Sarawak’s well-being according to their beliefs. It is up to them.”
He also pointed to the state government’s assistance to missionary schools, reinforcing the importance of education.
“If our children excel academically, that is our pride. As a Muslim, I help, and I know I earn blessings. While PBB is blessed because you support me. In economics, this is called a value chain. We must continue striving for Sarawak’s future together,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
