SHAFIE APDAL has called Christian Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in Sabah “hypocrites” who failed to protect the religion.
 
The Parti Warisan Sabah president named Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Joseph Kurup, Parti Bersatu Sabah president Joseph Pairin Kitingan, United Pasokmomogun Kadazan Organisation (Upko) acting president Wilfred Madius Tangau and Upko president Bernard Dompok as leaders who portray themselves as Christian heroes only in their respective areas.
 
Shafie said they had not rejected Umno’s cooperation with PAS, which are teaching an extreme version of Islam. 
 
“Why are Kurup, Dompok and Pairin not saying anything to Umno. In parliament and in the BN supreme council they are not saying anything, but in Sabah they are saying things to show they are championing the religion.
 
“In BN, there should be a spirit of consensus among members, that even one its members rejected there should be no talks. 

“But Umno is now working with PAS,” Shafie said this during a lunch session in Keningau with the Christian leaders from Pensiangan, Nabawan and Keningau.
 
“You cannot only protect your religion in your respective areas. You should do it for your country. When it comes to the issue of protecting the rights of Sabahans, I don’t mind sacrificing my life.”
 
He said if Warisan comes to power it will defend the sanctity of the Christian religion based on the federal constitution.
 
Shafie said he was one of the federal ministers who had supported the use of the word of “Allah” by Malaysians, and subsequently the federal decided the word could only be used in Sabah and Sarawak.
 
“We also need to be reminded the fundamental teaching of Islam is that there are no force on any individuals to become Muslims. It is must be the basis of willingness.
 
“This is what we should respect,” he said. – November 19, 2017.