Opposition criticised for raising divisive issues
T he opposition were yesterday taken to task for raising divisive issues aimed at driving a wedge between the people and the government.Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said such approach and culture in dealing with sensitive issues, and empty promises, were alien to the state and its people.
“It is easy to promise so many things, and to criticise the government and its efforts in helping the people all this while,” he said, adding that various issues, including the use of ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims, were played up to sour the ties of the people with the government. Sarawakians have long been using the term ‘Allah’ and had never regarded it as sensitive, he reiterated when speaking at the 23rd edition of Irau Aco Lun Bawang festival here recently.
As such, he urged the people to safeguard mutual tolerance for the sake of prevailing unity among groups of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
“Keeping at bay elements which could split the community is crucial to ensure that the people would remain in the mainstream of politics of development spearheaded by the Chief Minister which is based on unity and spirit of cooperation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah announced a RM20,000 grant for the association’s programmes.
Also present were Lawas Member of Parliament Datuk Henry Sum Agong and his Limbang counterpart, Hasbi Habibollah, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining, Limbang Resident Maria Hasman, Lawas District Officer Mohd Supaih Hamdan, organising chairman Willie Liau and deputy president of Sarawak Lun Bawang Association Jerry Siran Lagan.
Thousands from the highlands and those returning from towns joined in the annual celebration of the culture and roots of the Lun Bawang community through the various activities lined up.
The festival also coincides with the longer than usual first term school holidays this year.
June 5, 2010, Saturday
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