Kota Kinabalu: Muslims, especially in Sabah, are urged not to get involved with any extreme group capable of threatening the peace, unity, brotherhood and harmony in the country.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Muslims, as a society led by religious values and facing negative issues that further widen the gap in society, need to resolve the issues properly.
“This region in particular, consists of various ethnicities, cultures and religions which is indeed a dimension that needs to be managed in the best possible way.
“I hope the harmony and peace that exists among the diverse communities in this region will be a model for the world,” he said, when officiating the Regional Harmony Seminar jointly organised by Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis), the Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM), Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and Mabims (Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Singapore) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, Tuesday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more The aim of the seminar is to discuss and share ideas in formulating strategies to realise regional harmony and to ensure the society’s wellbeing when living with other societies with various backgrounds.
Hajiji’s speech was read by State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Datuk Mohd Arif.
He called for camaraderie among Muslims in the region to be further strengthened and the practice of moderation and unity to be upheld so as not to be easily influenced or disturbed by extreme elements.
“Having strong ties is important because it becomes a binding to the efforts of harmony and prosperity based on the principles of justice, mercy and love. Islamic teachings also emphasise the value of tolerance and togetherness.
“Through these values, we are required to respect the differences found in society and accept the reality of diversity as outlined in Islam.
“Through these values, we are required to respect the differences found in society and accept the reality of diversity as outlined in Islam,” Hajiji said.
He said the harmony that is built in the relationship between the various cultures, races and religions in Sabah must always be maintained.
“This is an important strength and identity of the State which has as many as 35 ethnicities and 217 sub-ethnicities that communicate in more than 50 languages and 80 ethnic dialects.
“Racial and religious differences are not an obstacle to living together in harmony. Mutual respect among the people is one of the keys to the success of Sabah in maintaining racial unity,” he added.
In strengthening the unity of the regional ummah (society) to face the global challenges of today, Hajiji said Muslims need to be equipped with high intellectual capacity, creativity and competitiveness, including the challenge of changes to the way of life that can affect relationships in a multicultural and religious society.
Earlier, Dr Mohd Arifin witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Muis, represented by its head Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin and Secretary Ramlan Awang Ali, and Ikim, represented by its Chairman Prof Dato’ Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty and Ikim Director-General Prof Madya Dr Mohamed Azam bin Mohamed Adit
The MoU entailed collaboration between Muis and Ikim in expanding publication and broadcasting in Ikim through condiuct of various programs and activities.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.