KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has long upheld a unique spirit of harmony, respect, and mutual understanding among all communities, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah information chief also said that the state's exemplary racial and religious tolerance, shared with Sarawak, deserves recognition.
He was responding to the Federal Cabinet’s decision to drop proposed guidelines for Muslims attending non-Muslim places of worship and events, a move he said aligns with Sabah’s inclusive approach.
“It reflects the Federal Government’s awareness of public sentiment on racial and religious matters,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 7).
Bangkuai, who is also the Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, noted that according to media reports, the guidelines were only a proposal, and discussions remain ongoing.
“While Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, the Sabah government has consistently supported non-Muslim religious bodies.
“This year, the state government allocated RM70mil for non-Muslim religious organisations, an increase of RM13.25mil from the RM56.75mil allocated in 2024,” he said.
He added that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has repeatedly affirmed the state government’s commitment to fairness and equality, ensuring that all communities receive assistance regardless of race or religion to maintain harmony.
Bangkuai also highlighted STB’s efforts in promoting unity through initiatives such as the Harmony Walk/Run, which visits various places of worship, including the State Mosque, Sacred Heart Church, the Sikh Gurdwara Temple, and the Peak Nam Tung Buddhist Temple, to showcase Sabah’s peaceful coexistence.
“Open dialogue and mutual respect have always guided our interactions. Sabah fosters unity through understanding rather than rigid guidelines.
“We trust that our multireligious and multiracial society will continue to engage in ways that uphold our shared values,” he said.
