SIBU: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) proposed ‘guidelines’ for Muslims attending non-Muslim events will create more division rather than promoting unity and peace in the country, said Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth chairman said such a move could cause major discomfort rather than appreciating the good values of each culture.
“This will also potentially harm the unity that the people had so much enjoyed all these years,” he said in a statement today (Feb 7).
Lau also believed that such a move would only serve to weaken the nation which could lead to an atmosphere of distrust, resentment and disunity.
“This is not fair for everyone – Muslims and non-Muslims for they could not enjoy diversity and celebrate differences at its best.
“Every religious body will always be respectful of one another’s faith and belief, and nobody will ever try to insult one another,” he added.
Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan branch chairman also said the guidelines simply could not be applied in Sarawak as different houses of worships are very near to mosques or surau.
“Sarawak has long been an exemplary model of racial and religious harmony in Malaysia as Sarawakians of different faiths and ethnicities live side by side, celebrating each other’s festivals and working together towards common goals.
“The unique Sarawak spirit of mutual respect and cooperation should be preserved and more importantly, emulated throughout the country,” he stressed.
Thus, he said Sarawakians must rally together to ensure that harmony remains a cornerstone of our society.
“It is important that as members of SUPP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), and above all as Sarawakians, we lead by example in advocating for unity and rejecting divisive narratives,” he said.
He added that in an era where the world is increasingly interconnected, the importance of harmony, unity, and mutual understanding cannot be overstated.
“It is equally important that we recognize unity is not an automatic process; it requires continuous effort, open dialogue, and policies that promote inclusiveness rather than division,” he said.
Therefore, Lau urged JAKIM to reconsider the proposed guidelines.
