KOTA KINABALU: Now that Datuk Noorazli Said has offered his apology over an inappropriate joke he made about priests at the recent Umno general assembly, we hope this will be the last episode of callous politicians insulting the Christian community in Malaysia, said former Member of Parliament for Tawau, Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She stressed that the Sepang Umno Chief’s apology should serve as a lesson to would-be perpetrators or those who may attempt to belittle other religions intentionally or unintentionally.
The former State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment said it is easy for anyone to make uncalled-for remarks, and then say their statement was interpreted differently, while getting away scot free with a mere apology.
“As seasoned politicians, we should be mindful of religious sensitivities in our community, and be able to distinguish right from wrong, thereby setting a good example to today’s younger generation and to the future generation of leaders.
“In a plural society like ours, we cannot afford to be disrespectful to fellow Malaysians of a different faith. Preserving racial and religious harmony is one of the key principles for national unity and peace.
“Come and learn from Sabah’s experience. Sabah is an exemplary state for religious tolerance, mutual understanding and respect, and unity in diversity. Sabah is a fine showcase of multi-racial and interfaith harmony where communities coexist peacefully, irrespective of race, creed and cultural background.
“Here, most of the people respect each other’s religious beliefs. We don’t encounter cases of politicians indiscriminately hurting the Christian fraternity and non-Muslim communities. In essence, we are role models,” Liew said in a statement on Tuesday.
