KUCHING: Mutual respect on cultures, beliefs and traditions are the basis to build a fair and stable government to rule Sarawak, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said as the leader of the state, him and the cabinet ministers are guided by this principle to formulate policies that will benefit both Muslims and non-Muslims.
“We are very fortunate that the mutual respect on cultures, beliefs and traditions become the basis for us to build Sarawak as a very fair and stable government to rule the state.
“We have our Islamic Religious Department, looking after the Muslims from all aspects of life.
“We also set up the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), a special unit to administer and assist the non-Muslims.
“That is the basis of mutual respect which is stated in the Madinah Charter,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his keynote address at the International Conference of Muslim Scholars held at the Islamic Complex Hall here, today (July 25).
Adding on, he said Sarawak is one of the best examples of a state that practises Ta’ayush, a concept from the Madinah Charter which encouraged the whole people – Muslims and non-Muslims, to co-exist peacefully and harmoniously.
He said there is a profound sense of respect between the Muslims and the non-Muslims, evident in the mutual regard for one another.
“I can share with you, there is one area which is very remote and has Muslim minority.
“The person who wanted the government to build a mosque in Belaga is a non-Muslim elected leader where he asked the government to build a mosque for the Muslim community there.
“The same goes for the Muslim leaders who look after the non-Muslims and this is what happens in Sarawak,” he said.
At the programme, he witnessed the launching of two books namely ‘Kitab Pedoman Ibadat’ written by Daud Abdul Ghani and ‘Salah Faham Sains dan Agama’ by Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Yusof Othman.
Also present were Sarawak Islamic Council (SIC) president Datuk Misnu Taha, State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nassar and Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Utility) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
