KUCHING: Sarawak remains firm in safeguarding against any detrimental influences that can ‘spread cancer’ in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak wants to maintain its strong mutual understanding among the racial groups in the state.
“That is why we use our immigration power. It is not to control immigration by whims and fancies. If the background is not suitable for us here, you cannot come here and spread cancer.
“Some people criticise that we are defending our state. It is not that we have to, we need to have a safety net.
“Once your country is in trouble, everybody is. This trouble only starts with a few. I have been in public office for over 40 years and have seen through all of these,” he said in an interview with The Edge Malaysia which was published in their magazine titled ‘Sarawak: A New Economic Powerhouse’.
The Edge Malaysia was asking the Premier on whether he has communicated with the federal Cabinet members regarding the racial tensions in Peninsular Malaysia.
Abang Johari further said he did touch on racial tension issues with Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh and Minister of Education Fadhlina Sidek.
“Hannah came here and was impressed with our interfaith and interracial relationships.
“In other words, the federal ministers recognised the importance of understanding among racial groups,” he said.
He also said it is important to have harmony so that the country can focus on how to help people.
“Otherwise, you spend time trying to fix up things, it is wasting time. The focus now is on the new economy, on development, getting the right income for people, and then making the economy strong,” he said.
In Sarawak, he describes the people as united and just like a family.
“Here, in a family, we have Christians, Muslims, especially in the Mukah area, and interracial marriages. The Malays go to tea ceremonies and the Chinese go to ‘akad nikah’.
“Multiracial, multireligious understanding is very important because nobody knows if you are going to hell or heaven. Only God knows, according to your faith, so do good things,” he said.
