Kurup tells Malayans to learn from Sarawakians, Sabahans on religious tolerance

KUCHING, Sept 13, 2014: Sarawak's experience as a  peaceful and harmonious multi-religious and multi-racial society is being show-cased in Kuala Lumpur for the Malayans to a take a leaf from and to emulate.

Picture (left): Kurup talking to some of youths after opening the "Show-case Sarawak - Truly Malaysia" programme.

It is organised by Yayasan 1 Malaysia and Angkatan Zaman Mansang in collaboration with the Sarawak Development Institute.

Speaking today at the opening of "Show-case Sarawak- Truly Malaysia", Minister in the Prime Minister Department Joseph Kurup said:"Living peacefully and harmoniously among the multi-religious and multi-racial societies can be achieved as seen in Sarawak and Sabah."

"Maybe it is high time that Malayans learn from Sabahans and Sarawakians about religious tolerance and racial harmony.

"Tolerance is the formula that has enabled the ethnically and religiously diverse society in Sabah and Sarawak to coexist harmoniously, without resorting to the “holier than thou” attitude," Kurup, who is a Sabahan, said.

He said it is clear that the people  in these two Borneo states have overcome religious and racial obstacles, and that living in a harmonious atmosphere has been part and parcel of their everyday lives.

 Picture (right): A section of the participants 

"There exist a climate of acceptance of various cultures in these Borneo states where we can see family members with different religions living together  without creating any problem among them," he said.

He shared  an empathy story of  Sapiiee Alim , a Muslim, which works in a Chinese temple for more than 20 years, in Kampung Muara Tebas in Bako, near Kuching.

The village has a population of about 3,000 including 60 Chinese.

He said a  mosque and a Chinese Temple were constructed side by side and the two communities of different religious beliefs would help each other look after their place of worship.

According to him, the temple has been very much a part of Sapiiiee and the villagers.

" Sapiiee also mentioned that he feels  very peaceful and enjoy working at the temple together with other six colleagues.

"At the same time, he has the opportunity to learn different culture and dialects from his non-Malay colleagues.

"This is an example of tolerance. It comes from both parties. On their part, the Chinese allow the Muslims to pass through the temple's compound when they need to bury their dead at their cemetery behind the temple.

"Both communities have to work side -by-side in order to bring up their families and develop the village.

"For example, the temple committee sponsors the surau's Quran recital competition every year and the Muslims have  named the nearby river after Buddha.

"Respect and support accorded by both sides for each other has been going on for years without fanfare. This is only one of the examples out of so many empathy stories that promote true harmony and reflects real unity," Kurup said.