Sarawak Doesn T Need Unnecessary Religious Guidelines Says Gps Man

---

 
SUPP secretary-general Sebastian Ting said the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending festivities and events at non-Muslim houses of worship are unnecessary and overbearing.PETALING JAYA: A Gabungan Parti Sarawak component has joined the chorus of criticism on the proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim festivities, funerals, or events held at non-Muslim places of worship.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) said there was no official religion in the Bornean state and that its secularity must be taken into account for any religious guidelines in the state.
SUPP secretary-general Sebastian Ting said Sarawak had often been praised as a model of religious tolerance and harmony, where people of various faiths peacefully coexist and celebrate each other’s festivals and traditions.
“In that regard, we find the proposed guidelines unnecessary and overbearing, and earnestly believe that we do not need them in Sarawak.
“SUPP is of the opinion that over-regulating religious practices and being overly cautious about religious sensitivities – especially when such issues are not actual concerns for the people – can create unnecessary division.
“Sarawak, as a prime example, thrives on organic religious harmony because its people practise mutual respect without excessive interference,” he said in a statement.
Ting, a state deputy minister, said a better approach to the matter would be encouraging dialogue, mutual understanding, and awareness on religious diversity among Malaysians while allowing them to freely maintain their traditions.
He said there must be a balance between respecting religious beliefs and ensuring that government policies or guidelines do not unintentionally breed intolerance.
“Sarawak proves that trust and natural coexistence work better than excessive control,” he added.
The proposed guidelines, which stirred controversy, will be discussed by the Cabinet today.
Under the proposed rules, there can be no speeches or songs with religious “propaganda” or performances that would insult Muslims, while the premises cannot display the religious symbols of faiths other than Islam.
Organisers would also need to obtain the permission of the relevant authorities, as well as the “views” of Islamic authorities if their event were to involve Muslims.
The guidelines have been met with pushback, including from Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, who argued that they could make things difficult for Muslim MPs. - FMT

---