CHURCHES in Sarawak and Sabah threw their support behind the Malay rulers for speaking up against religious intolerance, which is putting the country’s racial harmony at risk.

Bishops from both the Borneo states told The Malaysian Insight they are standing with the rulers against religious extremism.

Sarawak Association of Churches chairman Reverend Justin Wan said the actions of some individuals have gone beyond all acceptable standards of decency, putting the existing racial harmony at risk.

“The rulers’ concern on keeping racial unity and harmony together shows that they truly care for the rakyat.

“They are also upholding the constitution and the Malaysian Agreement 1963,” said Wan, referring to the agreement on religion which was of concern to Sarawak and Sabah before they agreed to help form Malaysia 54 years ago.

Also voicing support was the Sabah Council of Churches president Bishop Melter Jiki Tais, who said he is standing with the Malay rulers for speaking up against religious intolerance.

The Malay rulers endorsed the Johor sultan’s and Perlis raja muda’s decision to forbid Muslim-only launderettes in their states, lauding the two monarchs for upholding moderation and inclusiveness.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the rulers said the Johor sultan and Perlis raja muda’s stance demonstrated their commitment to “ensure Muslims behave with respect, moderation and inclusiveness” in a country that is home to people of diverse faiths and ethnic groups.

Wan, who is also head of the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM), urged leaders of the country to be more proactive and play their role as “gatekeepers and key holders of peace and harmony”.

He also appealed to all religious groups to stand with the rulers to create a “better, colourful and beautiful Malaysia”.

“Unity and harmony are reflected in the Rukun Negara. This is our national DNA, our identity and our soul.”

When the launderette issue in Muar, Johor, broke last month, Wan criticised the government on its inaction and silence over the matter while praising Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar for ticking off the launderette owner.

Putrajaya’s failure to respond shows that the creeping of Islamisation in the country had the tacit approval of the government, he said, which would destroy the already fragile multiracial fabric of the country.

The pastor said the government not only had to make a stand on growing religious extremism, it should revisit the Malaysia Agreement.

“Turning Malaysia into an Islamic state was definitely not one of them,” Wan said.

Yesterday, former members of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) also voiced their support for the Malay rulers when they told The Malaysian Insight that the rulers are now filling the void left by government leaders on issues of unity and harmony. – October 12, 2017.