Sarawakians free to practise their religions

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Fadillah shakes hands with an elderly recipient. — Bernama photo

Non-Muslims can use ‘Allah’ in prayers, songs or materials, says Sarawak BN Youth chief

KUCHING: Sarawakians are free to practise their respective religions and there is no issue for non-Muslims to use the word ‘Allah’ in their prayers, songs or materials.

State Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth chairman Datuk Fadillah Yusof said this has already been made clear by the previous statements of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman.

“Under the constitution, there is a proviso to say if it involves Islam, there are certain restrictions. As far as practising (other religions), there is no issue. The Bible in the Malay language in Sarawak was never an issue. We always accept it,” he told reporters after presenting Chinese New Year aid to 100 recipients yesterday.

Fadillah was commenting on a statement that BN would lose Sarawak in the next state election if the religious matter remained unsolved.

“It is just a political gimmick. People want to play with sentiment, which is to create ill feelings against the state.

“This is why they are playing with sentiments, hoping that the uneasy feelings among the Christians will result in them not supporting the government. It’s just that.”

The Works Minister and Petra Jaya Member of Parliament said he would continue to fight to preserve the stable, peaceful and harmonious relationship of the state’s various ethnic and religious groups.

“That is the most important thing that we must protect in Sarawak. The stability and harmonious relationship between the people is the key for success.”