(Miri 3rd) Sarawak DAP Secretary Alan Ling today strongly criticized PAS for recently hyping up the Christmas celebration event organized by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, stating that such behavior not only goes against the core values of Malaysia's multicultural society but also does not aid in national unity and progress.
He stated that PAS's words and actions are typical manifestations of religious extremism, posing a threat to the national harmony that the people of all ethnicities in our country have worked together to build over the years.
He pointed out that Christmas is a globally recognized holiday, and its celebration is more than just a religious significance; it symbolizes the spirit of friendship and unity. After the department clarified that the participants were indigenous people from Sarawak and Sabah, PAS's hype is undoubtedly creating division and stirring unnecessary religious sensitivities.
“We must clearly recognize that religious and ethnic diversity is a valuable asset of Malaysia, and any attempt to weaponize religion should be strongly condemned.” he said.
As a Sarawakian, he frankly stated that the ethnic harmony in Sarawak is a model for the entire country. Whether Chinese, Malay, indigenous, or other minorities, the people of Sarawak have always coexisted with a spirit of inclusion and friendship, celebrating various cultural and religious festivals together. “This spirit should not only be the pride of Sarawak but also a model for PAS and even the entire nation to learn from.”
He urged the federal government and various departments to make their stand clear, to protect the religious freedom and cultural diversity of all ethnic groups. Any rhetoric and behavior that undermines national unity, especially religious extremism, should be taken seriously.
Alan Ling also advised PAS leaders to, instead of hyping up religious issues, focus their energy on addressing major livelihood issues facing the nation, such as economic recovery, poverty issues, and educational reform, etc.
“Sarawak DAP is always committed to defending national harmony and multicultural values. This is not only our responsibility but also our commitment to all the people of Sarawak.”
Finally,Alan Ling called on all sectors to resist extremist rhetoric together and wholeheartedly maintain Malaysia's multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence.
He pointed out that Christmas is a globally recognized holiday, and its celebration is more than just a religious significance; it symbolizes the spirit of friendship and unity. After the department clarified that the participants were indigenous people from Sarawak and Sabah, PAS's hype is undoubtedly creating division and stirring unnecessary religious sensitivities.
“We must clearly recognize that religious and ethnic diversity is a valuable asset of Malaysia, and any attempt to weaponize religion should be strongly condemned.” he said.
As a Sarawakian, he frankly stated that the ethnic harmony in Sarawak is a model for the entire country. Whether Chinese, Malay, indigenous, or other minorities, the people of Sarawak have always coexisted with a spirit of inclusion and friendship, celebrating various cultural and religious festivals together. “This spirit should not only be the pride of Sarawak but also a model for PAS and even the entire nation to learn from.”
He urged the federal government and various departments to make their stand clear, to protect the religious freedom and cultural diversity of all ethnic groups. Any rhetoric and behavior that undermines national unity, especially religious extremism, should be taken seriously.
Alan Ling also advised PAS leaders to, instead of hyping up religious issues, focus their energy on addressing major livelihood issues facing the nation, such as economic recovery, poverty issues, and educational reform, etc.
“Sarawak DAP is always committed to defending national harmony and multicultural values. This is not only our responsibility but also our commitment to all the people of Sarawak.”
Finally,Alan Ling called on all sectors to resist extremist rhetoric together and wholeheartedly maintain Malaysia's multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence.