KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu information chief Datuk Idris Buang has chided Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) leaders for trying to create a negative perception of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) over the ‘Allah’ issue.
He said many times, state leaders in the past as well as the present, particularly Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, had stressed that the use of the word ‘Allah’ was a non-issue in Sarawak.
“That has been our stand from the start when the issue was hyped by certain quarters. This fact is known to all and sundry.
“I’m just amazed at how low PSB leaders, including Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun, would stoop in trying to create a negative perception of GPS when they all know that this is a non-issue in Sarawak.”
He said this in response to Entulu asking the GPS state government to persuade its federal counterpart to accept the High Court’s decision in allowing the use of the word ‘Allah’ for non-Muslims in preaching and publications.
“Look at how freedom of religion is being practised in Sarawak since time immemorial.
“It has been all due to the mature, high sense of tolerance and mutual respect nurtured and guided by our leaders.”
Idris said as such, PSB leaders must have some other ulterior motives in trying to stir up things and at the same time, putting themselves in a better light as if only they cared about religious freedom.
“If not then, they must be stupid enough trying to pretend to be oblivious to GPS’ stand on the matter.
“To me, it’s inferior for a party and its leaders to use such a political ploy or strategy against its opponents when the side effect could result in misunderstanding, confusion and even chaos, which could lead to disharmony and disaster among the people,” said the Muara Tuang assemblyman.
