KOTA KINABALU – Former deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has said he hopes that the Sabah government will consider approving the construction of the Mazu statue in Kudat.
He said the project could contribute to the state’s tourism sector, which would benefit local businesses such as handicrafts and food and beverages.
“There surely are pros and cons, but we must see it from a wider perspective, especially regarding economic returns through the tourism sector.
“Whatever conflict there is can be solved nicely for the time being for the benefit of the people of Kudat and its economy,” he said in a statement today.
Several non-government organisations, including the United Sabah Islamic Association, opposed the construction of the Mazu statue in Kudat.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah BN chairman, said the issue of the Mazu statue’s construction would not stop Muslims practising their religion because similar statues had been erected in states such as Kelantan and Penang, but did not impact the lives of Muslims there.
“We see that in Kelantan – known as the ‘Serambi Mekah’ state – and the Mazu statue there did not raise any issues of religious sensitivities, nor did it affect the akidah (faith) of the Muslims.
“It is stated in the Al-Quran – al Kafirun verse 5 that ‘you are with your religion, and I am with mine’ and in Surah al Qasas verse 55: ‘Our practice is ours, and your practice is yours’.
“Thus, there is no issue of the statue’s construction affecting the beliefs of the Muslim community.”
Bung Moktar said he was made to understand that the developer of the project will construct the Mazu statue without blocking the view of the existing district mosque.
The construction of the Mazu statue in Kudat was proposed almost 20 years ago by the then chief minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, which was then raised again by state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who hopes the project can be resumed.
Bung Moktar said the Mazu statue would be the tallest in the world at 33m when completed, and would be a huge tourist attraction in Kudat after the Tip of Borneo, Simpang Mengayau.
He added that China also attracts millions of tourists for its Guan Yin statue, and it is possible that Sabah would also receive the same number of foreign tourists annually as the Mazu statue in Kudat.
“If the Sabah government sees that this project can generate income for the state economy, then they should consider approving the project and set aside narrow sentiments that could hinder the direction of the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan.” – The Vibes, April 28, 2023
