TUARAN: Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged the people in the district to continue to respect each other’s religion, as freedom of religion is enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution.
Speaking while declaring open the Al-Fattah Mosque near here on Thursday, he added however that the Federal Constitution also states that Islam is the official religion and all quarters are expected to respect this fact.
“Hence, as a Muslim I cannot accept it if certain quarters especially non-Muslims insult Islam and Prophet Mohammad.
“Just as I have often advised Muslims in this district not to insult the religion of others, by the same token I expect others not to insult Islam, what more the Prophet Mohammad,” he said at the opening which was followed by the breaking of fast.
Although Hajiji did not name anybody or party, he was apparently referring to a member of an opposition party who recently blasphemed the Prophet Mohammad.
“I would like to advise this individual not to play with fire. Words that came out from your mouth cannot be taken back. Even if you apologise, the damage has been done and the feelings of Muslims have been hurt.
“No doubt Malaysia practises democracy and freedom of speech. But there is no such thing as absolute freedom to the extent that you may create chaos. So please don’t go overboard,” he stressed.
He urged Muslims in the district to remain calm, use their wisdom and not take matters into their own hands as various police reports have been made against the individual.
Hajiji, who is also Sulaman Assemblyman and Tuaran Umno chief said that generally Muslims are moderates or peace-loving people.
“But if you play with fire and are too much, what do you expect? A pat on the back?” he asked.
He added that although Islam is the official religion, what the BN government in general and Umno in particular have done for religious development in the district is there for all to see, be it mosques, churches or temples or Chinese schools and culture.
“So let us preserve the harmony, peace and unity that our forefathers worked so hard to achieve since time immemorial and which we maintained and still enjoy until today.
“Do not let any individual or group destroy it just like that. That individual’s remarks were uncalled for, especially when he was supposed to be a leader of a political party at the district-level,” he quipped.
Hajiji later presented assistance to the needy including the handicapped. He also presented prayer mats and air-conditioners to the mosque committee chairman.
The opening of the mosque was precedented by a series of activities in conjunction with the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Among them were Quran recitation and appreciation, Children’s Colouring Competition, and religious talk on the Beauty of Ramadan by Ustaz Hamsah Sulaiman.
The opening and related activities were jointly-organised by the Al-Fattah Mosque Committee, UMNO Tuaran Religious Bureau and the Sabah Islamic Religion Department (JHEAINS).
Present during the event were JHEAINS director Hj Abdul Halim Hj Nayan; Tuaran district officer A.M. Ibnu A. K. Baba; Mosque Committee chairman Matlan Hj Taman; JHEAINS Tuaran head, Puan Siti Hairyani Hj Yahya; UMNO Tuaran vice-chief, Kassim Razali; ASP Roslan Ahmad, Sulaman PPM (development leader) Johari Saiman and Wanita UMNO chief Puan Jamaliah Antalip.