BY NURIN PATRA & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will continue to uphold Sarawak’s harmony while ensuring the interests of all communities are protected.
In stating this, Premier and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that although PBB is rooted in Bumiputera interests, when developing the economy to a level where Bumiputera benefit, the overall economy will improve.
“In the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), I mentioned social inclusivity.
“If we take care of everyone, it means trust is built. We should not see differences.
“In terms of religion, we create the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), meaning we also protect the interests of non-Muslim communities and from this perspective, we believe there must be strong interfaith relationships,” he said.
Abang Johari said this when asked to comment on how PBB, as the backbone of GPS, maintains strong relationships among its component parties during an exclusive interview in conjunction with the upcoming PBB 16th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) at his office, Wisma Bapa Malaysia, on Wednesday (Feb 12).
He added that since many Bumiputera reside in rural areas, he has emphasised the need for essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply and internet access.
“I believe this will have a positive impact on the development of the entire Sarawak,” he said.
He also commented on the now reversed Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (JAKIM) guidelines regarding Muslims participation in non-Muslim festivities, funerals or events at non-Muslim places of worship.
“There are rules for attending weddings and funerals. I wonder how you would feel about demolishing a mosque in Lutong when it stands next to a church.
“And now, a church and a mosque are being built in Sebauh. I believe that this matter is between us and God, so there must be human relationships.
“If we, as Muslims, believe in the Quranic verse ‘Hablum minannas,’ it does not mention a relationship specifically with fellow Muslims, but rather the relationship between human beings,” he said.
