Kota Kinabalu: The repeated attacks by PAS against the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, over the Christmas celebration organised by his Ministry are deeply regrettable.
Sabah DAP Deputy Chairman Datuk Chan Foong Hin said such actions, aimed at stirring up the racial tensions, are not only baseless but reflect PAS’ severe lack of constructive political ideas.
AdvertisementHe said this is utterly despicable and a clear manifestation of their bankruptcy of ideas.
“Nga has clearly explained that majority of those participating in the carolling are Christians from Sabah and Sarawak, particularly Kadazan community.
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“It is apparent that PAS, unable to present substantive issues, resorts to divisive and radical rhetoric to garner political support,” said Chan who is a member of DAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) in a statement here on Monday.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});As Sabahans, he said they take great pride in their harmonious multicultural society.
“This December, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kota Kinabalu is participating in a Christmas decoration competition, where healthcare workers creatively transform the hospital into a festive and joyous space.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“Such celebrations of cultural diversity are embraced in Sabah and Sarawak without controversy, demonstrating the region’s spirit of unity and mutual respect.
“I believe, no one, except PAS, would criticise such a practice as ‘disrespecting Islam.’ The behaviour exhibited by PAS, in contrast, stands as an outlier that undermines national cohesion,” said Chan who is also the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities.
Meanwhile, he said he also received messages from constituents expressing frustration over PAS’ actions.
“One message said, ‘Why does PAS make such a fuss about this? When non-Muslims celebrate Hari Raya, they don’t complain. Ministries in Sabah and Sarawak celebrate Christmas openly, yet it never becomes an issue.
“It continued to say ‘Why is it only controversial in Peninsular Malaysia? This is frustrating.
“These sentiments reflect the prevailing view in East Malaysia, where PAS’ divisive politics have failed to resonate or gain traction,” Chan said.
He said PAS’s strategy of sowing division and fostering extremism is counterproductive and would continue to alienate the Malaysian people.
Chan said Sabah DAP stands resolutely behind Nga Kor Ming in upholding the principles of diversity, inclusivity and progressiveness.
“We are confident that East Malaysians overwhelmingly support these values and reject extremism.
“Together, we will continue to champion the spirit of ‘unity in diversity’ and remain steadfast in defending our multicultural identity,” he said.