KOTA KINABALU: The counsel given by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, on the eve of Aidilfitri, advising all Malaysians to steer clear of sensitive topics, is well-timed and should be taken seriously.
Putatan UMNO Chief, Jeffrey Nor, said that it is indeed true that lately there have been certain irresponsible parties trying to incite the anger of the people, including in Sabah, by playing various sensitive issues, including linking Sabah UMNO with extremism and bigotry.
According to Jeffrey, the portrayal given of Sabah UMNO is completely untrue, solely based on the loudness of the UMNO Youth leader raising the issue of socks with the word Allah being sold at KK Mart.
“As advised by the Agong, Sabah UMNO always supports moderation and rejects extreme politics.
“Sabah UMNO leaders and members, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, also cherish peace and harmony and respect the diversity of races,” he said in a statement today.
Jeffrey said that UMNO has been established in Sabah for almost 33 years, and expanded its presence in Sabah at the request of the people of this state in the 90s.
For the record, among the leaders who fully supported UMNO in the past were Tan Sri Musa Aman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Datuk Masidi Manjun, and Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
“Throughout those three decades, there were no issues linking Sabah UMNO with extremism practices and bigotry.
“However, there are non-UMNO leaders who creatively take the opportunity to associate Sabah UMNO with extreme practices and urge the people of Sabah to reject UMNO…they are among the leaders who have been rejected by the people before and are trying to play ‘the hatred issue’ against UMNO to appear relevant in the Sabah political arena,” he said.
Yesterday, the Agong advised all parties to focus on uniting the people, rather than dividing them.
“I aspire to witness a united and harmonious society. I hope that political leaders refrain from taking extreme stances when addressing religious and racial issues.
“This applies not only to UMNO and DAP, but to all political parties, said the King.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey called on the people to strengthen friendships, unity and always take care of their health this festive season.
“We in UMNO humbly and joyfully wish everyone a happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.
