Bian slams Hisham for scaremongering

Umno's bid to 'scare Muslims into a siege mentality' insults the intelligence of the very people they are trying to endear, says Sarawak PKR leader Baru

KUCHING: Sarawak PKR has chastised Home Affairs Minister Hishammuddin Hussein for commenting on the purported ‘Christianity as the official religion of Malaysia’ issue without first conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

“It is most unfortunate that Hishammuddin chose to comment on the issue without first conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.

“This irresponsible act and lack of initiative by the home minister, no less, only serves to inflame already frayed emotions over a sensitive matter,” said PKR chief Baru Bian, who is also the state assemblyman for Ba’Kelalan.

“The Federal Constitution is very clear that the official religion of Malaysia is Islam. As law abiding citizens, we subscribe to the law and are guided by the country’s constitution.

“I’m surprised that the home minister has little faith in the Federal Constitution, as evidenced by his ill-informed statements,” said Bian.

“Federal ministers from Umno should not allow their emotions to sweep away their intellect and come out with sensational statements that smack of scaremongering.

“It is cheap, crude and cowardly. To scare Muslims into a siege mentality insults the intelligence of the very people they are trying to endear.

“Sarawakians regardless of religious affiliation must not to be hoodwinked into swallowing Umno’s desperate attempts at cause confusion by blowing up religious issues for political gains.

“In Sarawak, we enjoy a unique culture of not only tolerance but mutual respect for all religions. Umno’s dangerous shenanigans are certainly not welcome here,” he said.

Constitution is clear

On the matter of Bernard Dompok who rightly stated that the Federal Constitution is silent on the PM’s religious affiliation, Bian said the home minister should learn from his colleague.

“Instead of fuelling fear, it is incumbent upon the home minister to educate the public and ensure national security.

“I wish to remind Sarawakians that there is no legislation that precludes a Christian from becoming the Prime Minister. Let us be clear on that and respect the law,” he said.

Last Saturday Hishamumddin described as serious a purported meeting of Pastors in Penang alleged to have discuss making Christianity the official religion of the federation.

He said any action by followers of a religion would invite reactions from followers of other religions. He said that he is waiting for reports on what transpired at the meeting.

“If they are adamant on creating disunity even after we have given explanations, then I think the police will make a decision on the action to be taken,” he said.