By Fomer Petagas assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang
KOTA KINABALU: As a secular state, Malaysia must actively promote tolerance, understanding, and open dialogue to cultivate a harmonious society where diverse beliefs coexist peacefully. Extremist ideologies often lead to violence, sectarian conflicts, and civil unrest, resulting in tragic loss of life and social instability, as exemplified by the events of May 13, 1969.
These extremist beliefs can fracture social bonds, making cooperation and mutual understanding within communities increasingly difficult. It is imperative to recognize the potential of these ideologies to undermine the very fabric of our Malaysian society.
Fortunately, in Sabah, we have largely resisted the incursion of religious extremism. We take pride in our unwavering commitment to tolerance and respect for individual beliefs, principles we will fiercely defend. This peaceful coexistence is not only a cultural asset; it is also a safeguard for our future.
We must remain vigilant to prevent the importation of extremist attitudes from other regions. By fostering an environment of unity and understanding, we can help protect the peaceful coexistence that we strive to promote in Malaysia.
Let us continue to celebrate our diversity and work towards building bridges between cultures, ensuring that tolerance remains at the forefront of our collective efforts.
To this end, I propose that the government consider banning religious demonstrations in the country to maintain social harmony.
