Abang Johari Openg said the state’s immigration autonomy was able to block religious extremists from setting foot in Sarawak. (Bernama pic)
KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will continue to protect religious freedom and reject elements of extremism that could jeopardise the harmony enjoyed by the state’s multiracial and multi-religious communities.
GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg, who is also Sarawak premier, said the state, well known for its multiracial and multi-religious society, had never faced any problem of disunity.
He noted that in Sarawak there were Christian and Muslim families who lived harmoniously under one roof.
“In Sarawak, we are quite fortunate to be protected from the religious and racial conflicts that often happen in other places. Our immigration autonomy is able to block religious extremists from setting foot in Sarawak,” Abang Johari said in his Christmas message today.
However, the premier said Sarawak was not completely protected from elements of extremism as they could infiltrate the state through cyber channels such as social media, and that this was usually used for the political interests of certain parties.
“Our bastion from these elements is our own wisdom which we must use to filter the good from the bad and the facts from the lies,” he added.
Separately, Abang Johari gave his commitment that GPS would continue to champion Sarawak’s interests and rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“The formation of GPS was a good step to ensure Sarawak’s voice is not drowned out in the national scene. There are no people more sincere than Sarawakians in the struggle to uphold justice for the Land of the Hornbills,” he said.
