Christina Liew
KOTA KINABALU: Politicians should be mindful of religious sensitivities and distinguish right from wrong, thereby setting a good example for the younger generation and future leaders, said former Tawau Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She said this following Datuk Noorazli Said’s apology over an inappropriate joke about priests at the recent Umno general assembly.
Liew, who is also a former State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, hoped Noorazli’s apology would bring an end to episodes of politicians making insensitive remarks against the Christian community in Malaysia.
She stressed that the Sepang Umno Chief’s apology should serve as a lesson to those who may intentionally or unintentionally belittle other religions.
“It is easy for anyone to make uncalled-for remarks, and then say their statement was interpreted differently, while getting away scot-free with a mere apology.
“As seasoned politicians, we should be mindful of religious sensitivities in our community, and be able to distinguish right from wrong, thereby setting a good example to today’s younger generation and to the future generation of leaders.
“In a plural society like ours, we cannot afford to be disrespectful to fellow Malaysians of a different faith.
“Preserving racial and religious harmony is one of the key principles for national unity and peace,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Liew said Sabah’s experience could serve as an example of religious tolerance, mutual understanding, respect and unity in diversity.
“Sabah is an exemplary state for religious tolerance, mutual understanding and respect, and unity in diversity.
“Sabah is a fine showcase of multi-racial and interfaith harmony where communities coexist peacefully, irrespective of race, creed and cultural background.
“Here, most of the people respect each other’s religious beliefs. We don’t encounter cases of politicians indiscriminately hurting the Christian fraternity and non-Muslim communities.
“In essence, we are role models,” she said.
