Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai called on the people to turn their back against those using religious and ethnic sentiments for their own personal gains.
He said everyone, regardless of beliefs, is responsible for maintaining a high level of tolerance and that there is no room for individuals who try to undermine peace.
“Religious tolerance is important and we in Sabah recognise that. This is where we excel, and we must continue to cultivate this strength.
“We have over 40 ethnic groups, each with their own beliefs, and our capacity to coexist peacefully is in keeping with the ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept promoted by the Prime Minister.
“We need to celebrate diversity and not see it as a hindrance to working together. This is the beauty that we focus on in order to keep our unity,” he said.
Joniston was speaking at the launching of the “Doa Sayangi Malaysia” in conjunction with the 2022 State-level National Day Celebration, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), at the Peak Nam Toong temple, here, Saturday.
This programme is one of the State Cultural Board’s initiatives and has been running since 2020.
It aims to provide a space and opportunity for all Malaysians, especially non-Muslims in Sabah, to join together in praying for the country’s well-being.
“This prayer programme is very much in line with this year’s National Day theme, ‘Keluarga Malaysia, Teguh Bersama.’ We can see various community groups, particularly religious bodies, working collaboratively to make this programme a success.
“We are like a family. Despite our differing beliefs and values, we remain committed to praying for mutual wellbeing and strengthening our bonds with one another,” he said.
Also present were State Cultural Board General Manager Mackey Apison Lo, FCAS Vice President Capitan Fung Chun Fatt and representatives from the Kinabalu Singh Sabha Association, Malaysia Hindu Sangam Sabah and Sabah Bumiputra Christian Association, among others.
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