Najib’s aides under fire over Christmas controversy

KUCHING: Sarawak PKR has criticised officials of the Prime Minister’s Department who had sought to remove Christian symbols at a Christmas party hosted by Catholic Archbishop Murphy Pakiam at his residence’s car park last week just before Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s arrival at the party.

They also barred the singing of hymns and prayers during Najib’s presence.

“I was shocked and saddened to read about the directive in the papers and in the websites,” said party chairman Baru Bian.

Bian was hosting a Christmas and New Year party for PKR members, supporters and the press.

Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin, who has been visiting Sarawak, was also present.

“Such a directive coming from Najib’s aides should not be tolerated as it undermines the democratic principle and the freedom of religion as enshrined under Article 11 of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

Sarawakians in particular who respect and have been tolerant towards each other’s religion should be aware of this incident, he added.

He warned them that this sort of directive is not good for the people of Sarawak who have been enjoying racial and religious harmony all this while.

“We must condemn these leaders who do not respect other people’s religions,” he said, urging the people to vote them out in the coming election.

“We cannot trust these people to continue to rule this country. The coming election is the time for us to change them,” he added.

The directive from Najib’s aides has been condemned by leaders of Pakatan Rakyat throughout the country. - FMT