KUCHING: Eighteen Muslim non-governmental associations (NGOs) in Sarawak strongly condemned the recent cruel attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The attacks on March 15 killed 51 Muslims including a child and injured dozens who were performing their Friday prayers.
In a statement yesterday, the associations said the perpetrator had committed an act of terrorism and a heinous crime against humanity, which must be denounced by each and every international communities.
“It was simply outrageous and detestable in any religion that a crime is committed in a place of worship for the Muslims while they were performing their prayers,” it said.
The associations said people should respect and appreciate each other notwithstanding their beliefs or religions, ethnicity, creed or colour.
“The right to practise one’s religion has been enshrined and guaranteed under international and Malaysian laws.
“We believe that any law-abiding citizens of any countries love peace, harmony and other universal values inherent in our religious teachings, thus do not condone any act of radicalism or extremism,” they said in the statement.
The associations stressed, “Islam is a religion of peace and promotes peace among humankind.
“Islam rejects any kind of terrorism, hostility, hatred disunity and other negative elements among us.”
The associations urged the media, especially Western media, to be fair when reporting about Islam or Muslims as wrong or unjust reporting could lead to Islamophobia and misperceptions of Islam.
“We reiterate that Islam is a religion of peace and blessings (rahmah) to the universe. Such noble values that Islam upholds could provide a long-term solution to radicalism and extremism,” they said.
The associations also urged every Malaysian to continue practising a culture of respect and understanding as in Sarawak, pointing out that the culture had indeed proven to be the most critical ingredient for a harmonious society.
The 18 Muslim NGOs showing their support for the Muslim community in New Zealand are Persatuan Kebajikan Asyraaf Malaysia Sarawak, Pertubuhan Ikatan Muhibbah Permuafakatan Islam Sarawak (Impiss), Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Mapim) Sarawak, and Pertubuhan Komuniti Harmoni Sarawak (Harmonis).
They are also from Sahabat Yadim Sarawak, Yayasan Amal Malaysia, Sarawak, Ikatan Graduan Melayu Sarawak, Urusetia Saudara Kita, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Saudara Kita Sarawak, Persatuan Ranuhabban Akhi Ukhti, Ikram Kuching, Persatuan Dayak Muslim Kebangsaan, Pertubuhan Halaqah Kemajuan Muslim Sarawak (Hikam), Perkim Sarawak, Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia Sarawak (Isma), Yayasan Ikhlas Sarawak, Ikram Sarawak and Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) Sarawak.
