KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has expressed concern over the incipient signs of extremism creeping into the state.
Vice-president Datuk Johnny Mositun, a former Sabah deputy speaker, stressed that the 32 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups in the state have always been able to live and work together as one family, despite coming from varying backgrounds.
“In fact, Sabah is the best example of religious tolerance and unity,” he said, reacting to a call by PAS state assembly member Aliakbar Gulasan for shopping trolleys to be segregated for use by Muslims and non-Muslims.
“Indeed, as a Sabahan l rebuke this sort of religious extremism amongst us as nobody is ‘holier-than-thou’.
“In the past, we never heard the word ‘segregation’ as far as supermarket services were concerned in Sabah.
“These people try to sow the seeds of hatred and divisions in others, be it on religious or racial and ethnic grounds,” Mositun said in a statement today.
He said Sabahans must maintain their harmonious relationship at all costs and be cautious of certain groups trying to break it.
The Limbahau PBS head asserted that the party remained committed to ensuring that Sabah and its people continue their tolerant qualities among themselves and continue leading a respectful way of life.
Aliakbar, who is among six individuals appointed to the Sabah state assembly in October, had recently urged all supermarkets and shops to be “sensitive” and segregate shopping trolleys, in commenting on an incident relating to the use of trolleys and non-halal products.
He said shopping outlets should be sensitive to the needs of various religions in Sabah.
Meanwhile, James Chin, a professor of Asian studies, wrote on Facebook: “Many people warned about PAS getting a foothold in Sabah. The KDM (Kadazandusun Murut) parties in the government could do nothing.
“Now look at what is happening. Soon, it will be the swimming pool, cinemas etc. One item at a time...Sarawak, please learn from Sabah,” he said.
In 2015, the federal Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry had proposed the segregation of trolleys at supermarkets, but Sabahans called such a practice unnecessary. – The Vibes, June 10, 2021
