By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 11: The recent “beer-gate” controversy in Malaya shows how fragile racial and religious tolerance remains there, compared to Sarawak where people of all faiths can still sit together and share a meal without prejudice, said political pundit Dato Peter Minos.
Minos remarked that if the same incident had occurred in Sarawak, “the minister would just say ‘sorry lah for the slip,’ and the matter would have ended there with no fuss, no public acrimony, no ill feeling, and no big issue arising.”
“That’s the difference between Sarawak and Malaya. One has real harmony and understanding; the other has very little,” he said in a statement today.
He was commenting on the controversy surrounding the Global Travel Meet 2025 Gala Dinner, after photos and videos circulated online showing alcohol being served at the event, which was linked to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The incident drew criticism from certain quarters and prompted a clarification from Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, who admitted there had been an oversight but explained that the dinner, though associated with Tourism Malaysia, was privately hosted by industry players and not an official government event.
The issue quickly snowballed into a nationwide debate on religious sensitivity and government protocol, prompting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to issue a stern reminder that alcohol is prohibited at official government functions. Anwar also cautioned Cabinet members that any negligence in upholding such rules would not be excused.
Minos said the uproar reflects how easily issues touching on race or religion can be politicised in Malaya.
“It is tough living in Malaya where some politicians can pick any issue, big or small, and turn it racial and political. There is little or no tolerance over any issue of race or religion. One small slip and a storm is raised,” he lamented.
He pointed out that in recent years, many religious and racial controversies have erupted in Malaya, showing the “intolerance and misunderstanding” among communities there.
“So we wonder, where are the talks of racial harmony and religious tolerance? All seem to be pretty hollow,” he said.
In contrast, Minos praised Sarawak’s multicultural way of life, where harmony is not just preached but practised daily.
“During Gawai and Chinese New Year celebrations, all kinds of food and drinks are served. You eat and drink what you want. Who really cares? The choice and freedom are yours,” he said, noting that State-level Gawai celebrations are organised by ministers and civil servants and funded by the Sarawak government, without anyone objecting to what food or drink is served.
“In the coffee shops, Sarawakians of all religions and races sit with or near each other. Who bothers about what you eat or drink?” he added.
Citing an example from Miri, Minos said a church there stands next to a mosque, and both worshippers share the same car park without issue. “In Malaya, a crucifix shown in public can cause a storm and an uproar,” he said.
Minos concluded that there is much for Malayans to learn from Sarawak when it comes to genuine tolerance and acceptance. “I think there is a lot for Malayans to learn and emulate from Sarawakians on issues of racial and religious tolerance and harmony. Who will want to go to Malaya if they do not learn and change?” he said. — DayakDaily
