This Content Is Only For Subscribers
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 19: Sarawak has no issue when it comes to using chopsticks and the word ‘Allah’, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“In certain areas, the moment they use chopsticks, they would say ‘Aduh masuk cina sudah’ (Oh no, he converted already), but for us (in Sarawak), it is open as long as the food is halal,” he said during International Chinese Muslim Conference (ICMC) 2023 Gala Dinner held at Waterfront Hotel here earlier tonight.
Abang Johari further pictured the context of a Malay and a Chinese who can converse as friends freely at a Chinese kopitiam without having any problems in Sarawak.
“If you want to use chopsticks, use-lah (sic). After all, it is just to put (food) in your mouth. The same applies to using a spoon. So that is the way we behave in Sarawak,” he added.
He also said Sarawak has no issue using the word ‘Allah’.
“After all, it is just an Arabic word as long as you believe in God and observe Islam’s basic principles. That is important, and it is an obligation. The rest is ‘sunnah’ (customary practices),” he emphasised.
Amongst those present were Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing; Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) president Datu Misnu Taha; and MACMA president Datuk Prof Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin. — DayakDaily
