Masidi Quitting Sabah Bersatu Made In The Best Interest Of Sabah Malaysia

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Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said there was a tendency to forget that many Sabahans, as well as Sarawakians, have family members of different religious faiths who have lived in harmony for centuries. -BERNAMA file picKOTA KINABALU: The increasing racial and religious rhetoric of some peninsula-based parties, especially in the run-up to the 15th General Election, is inconsistent with the values of multiracial and multireligious Sabah and Sarawak.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said there was a tendency to forget that many Sabahans, as well as Sarawakians, have family members of different religious faiths who have lived in harmony for centuries.
He added that it was difficult for GRS, or for that matter many Sabahans, to accept what is now marketed as "political Islam".
Masidi, who is former Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) deputy chairman, said as a Muslim, he was proud of his religion.
"But I do not think any party can claim to be a genuine representative of this great religion.
"Islam is a universal religion that is inclusive and respectful of all beliefs and cultures. It is a religion of compassion and humanity that respects the rights of others, including those of minorities.
"We are just simple Sabahans who want to protect our cultural and social heritage from being adulterated with non-Sabahan values.
"(Therefore), our decision to focus on GRS by getting out of Bersatu was made in the best interest of Sabah and the greater good of Malaysia," he said in a statement.
Masidi said GRS would support any leader or coalition that was committed to preserving the Malaysian way of life, which has a place for everyone.
"That is why we are wholeheartedly behind the 10th prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"In fact, the current unity government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim best represents an administration that embraces the interests of all Malaysians, while protecting the positions of Islam, Bumiputeras, Sabah and Sarawak." - NST

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