Dr Maszlee Malik
KUCHING: Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) Bintulu has expressed disappointment with Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik for failing to mention the Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak celebrations in his video message to teachers and students in conjunction with the school holidays and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
“There is nothing wrong with his video posting except that he fails to mention the Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations in his advice and reminders in conjunction with the school holidays,” PAS Bintulu chairman Zharudin Narudin said in a response to the video posted by Maszlee in his Facebook account on May 23.
Zharudin pointed out that this might look insignificant but to Sabahans and Sarawakians, it was unacceptable.
“It definitely hurts the feelings of teachers and students celebrating the two major festivals. After all, Kaamatan and Gawai are celebrated earlier than the Eid (Aidilfitri) this year,” said Zharudin.
Zharudin opined that Maszlee, as a federal Minister, should be more alert and conscious of the existence of the ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.
“His video manifests ignorance towards the East Malaysia’s community. While the Dayaks and Kadazan Dusuns which consist of several ethnics and might be a minority in Peninsular, they form the majority of Sabah and Sarawak populations.
“Thus, to be ignored or forgotten by a federal leader really hurts,” he said.