“Peninsula Christians can only dream of this Sarawakian-style Mukah Christmas parade”

 

IN recent years, the Borneo states have shone a shining light on what it means to live in peace and harmony. This is especially true during festive periods when video clips and images of peoples of various faiths coming together to partake in each other’s’ celebrations.

It was no different in Mukah, Sarawak when 3,000 participants attended the annual Christmas Festival Mukah 2025 parade.

As reported in by Berita RTM Sarawak in a Facebook Reel, Sarawakians of various ethnicities came together to sing Christmas carols, wear Santa hats and basically, build stronger communal ties.

Editor’s Note: Very recently, FocusM has aired the sense of togetherness among nurses of diverse backgrounds and faiths, including Muslims, putting up Christmas decoration at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

However, such scenes of communal celebrations would be greatly frowned upon in the Peninsula as many walaun (slang for ultra-conservative PAS supporters) would take umbrage that Muslims were participating in events dripping with Christian traditions.

This difference in attitudes and perspectives was highlighted in a number of comments.

One commenter Ulsafar Haris triggered off a heated exchange when he called out a certain demographic as “ahli syurga Semananjung” (literally. “Peninsula Heaven Members) who would object to people of differing faiths taking part in Christmas celebrations.

Another politically-clued in observer chimed that this was why Sarawakians wholeheartedly reject PAS.

One commenter captured the sentiments perfectly by stating that if such an event were to be held in Peninsula, all hell would break loose with plenty of cries that Islam is being “threatened”.

However, as expected, there were those foaming at the mouth at this open display of festive joy by residents of Mukah district. More than a few stoutly defended the view that it was haram for Muslims to take part in such events.

Some commenters took offence to the insinuation that Christmas celebrations were restricted in the Peninsula.

However, these outbursts quite plainly ignore that the original comment by Ulsafar Haris was probably referring to the fact that people of differing religions came together to celebrate this event and not the parade per se.

One commenter sought to place the onus on the individual to choose whether to participate or not.

While this may be well-intentioned, it ignores the fact that many walaun will loudly complain that Muslims are participating in festivities involving Santa hats and devotional songs.

Some commenters even cautioned against constantly blowing one’s own trumpet by highlighting Sarawak’s ‘racial and religious harmony’ compared to the Peninsula.

The point to note is that Christmas festivities are being weaponised by both sides. On the one hand, there will be those loudly cheering Sarawakians and their tradition of celebrating each other’s festivities. This was a melting pot culture that is reflective of 1Malaysia.

On the other, there will be rightist groups who will not only feel uneasy about such celebrations and will put forward far-fetched conspiracy theories (such as the plot to make Malaysia a Christian country!).

While everyone is free to choose what cultural and religious celebrations they wish to participate in; Malaysians need to choose which narrative is preferable – one that celebrates diversity and multi-culturalism or one that promotes paranoia and causes schisms in society. –  Focus Malaysia