SABAH people must value the peace and harmony in the state and not be influenced by the religious tensions in the peninsula.
Parti Bersatu Sabah information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the people of Sabah have learnt lessons from the past and will not allow themselves to be stirred up over the bombing of a convenience store in Kuching.
“In Sabah, our approach is entirely different. We prioritise religious and racial tolerance, thus the scenarios in other states are unlikely to occur here," said Bangkuai, who was speaking at an event in Kiulu, Kampung Pahu, near Kota Kinabalu.
Referring to the ethnic violence that took place in Sabah in 1986, also known as the "silent riot", he said the political turmoil in Sabah at the time had escalated into a religious conflict, with demonstrators protesting Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan because of his Christian faith.
The Kiulu assemblyman said Sabah folk had grown more tolerant following tragic incidents and the state government’s efforts to promote peace and harmony.
“The Sabah government has done what it can to promote peace and harmony. Each year, close to RM60 million is aside for the development of non-Muslim groups, missions and Chinese schools.” – The Vibes, April 5, 2024.
