‘Don’t follow mindset of outsiders on religion’

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Karim officially launches the festive gathering. — Photos by Muhd Rais Sanusi

Karin presents awards to Asajaya students who excelled in Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR).

ASAJAYA: Sarawakians have been called on not to follow the mindset of those in Peninsular Malaysia and elsewhere outside Sarawak when it comes to religious matters.

Assistant Minister of Housing Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawakians should not allow issues such as the raging debate on the use of the word ‘Allah’ in Peninsular Malaysia to influence them.

“Don’t raise our children wrong. I don’t want the wrong practices to cause strife,” he said, urging Muslim religious teachers to find the correct way to deal with the situation if they have uncertainties.

“If Christians want to pray to ‘Allah’, let them. It’s just a language,” Karim said, pointing out that this has not weakened the spirit of the Muslim community in the state.

Speaking during a triple celebration here on Monday, the Asajaya assemblyman added that he attended a mission school.

Karim pointed out that both he and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud studied Bible Knowledge in school and are both still faithful Muslims.

“If we are solid in our faith, nothing will change us,” he stressed.

The event saw Asajaya folk — irrespective of race and religion — coming together to celebrate Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.

In his speech, Karim highlighted the importance of education for the children of Asajaya, and the high level of commitment required from parents and teachers to ensure continuous excellence.