DPM: Sarawak unique in respect shown by Muslims, non-Muslims

Zahid says state has preserved ideals but given other religions equal freedom.

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has succeeded in preserving Islam and at the same time allowed the propagation of other religions, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid said what was unique about Sarawak is the respect shown by the Muslims and non-Muslims towards each other to live in peace and harmony.

“Chief Minister Adenan Satem and his predecessor, Abdul Taib Mahmud, had always preserved the ideals of Islam but gave other religions equal freedom,” he told reporters at the Al-Abiyad Mosque in Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, here tonight.

Zahid, who announced a RM3 million allocation to the Al-Abiyad Mosque which is under construction, said Islam must be seen as a religion that professed peace and harmony.

The deputy prime minister, who is also the home minister, said a police station would be built in Matang Jaya for the benefit of the people.

Zahid, who was accompanied by Barisan National candidate for Tupong, Fazzrudin Abd Rahman, earlier performed the Maghrib and Isyak prayers at the Al-Muhajirin Mosque, situated about a kilometre from the Al-Abiyad Mosque.

– BERNAMA