Mustapha Ma receives Outstanding Chinese Muslim Award

KUCHING: Sarawak has no issues with using chopsticks or the word Allah, compared to some other areas, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
 
In fact, he said that the people here are very open and able to accept the diversity that exists among the communities.
 
“We don’t have any problem using chopsticks. It’s not a problem because the utensil is only used for eating, like a spoon. As long as the food is halal, there’s no problem for us.
 
“But, in other places, they think that the use of such a utensil symbolises the exchange of race. This assumption can affect the unity among the community in this country, which is indeed made up of various races,” he said.
 
He said this in his speech during the International Chinese Muslim Conference (ICMC) 2023 Gala Night at The Waterfront Hotel here last night (Aug 19).
 
Abang Johari added that Sarawakians also have no problem hanging out at the kopitiam shop with other races because it is just a place to meet and communicate with friends.
 
Furthermore, he also emphasised that Sarawak is not facing any issue with the use of the word Allah.
 
“We have no problem using the word because it is just a word in the Arabic language. As long as we have faith and adhere to religious principles, there is no problem,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, a total of four Chinese Muslim figures were awarded the Outstanding Chinese Muslim Award in conjunction with ICMC 2023; among them is Datuk Mustapha Ma for the Lifetime Dakwah category.
 
Also receiving the award were Ar Ridha Lua for the Technology category, Abdul Qadir Leong for the Islamic Scholar category, and Datuk Muhammad Chan Abdullah for the Entrepreneur category.