Promote tolerance, not hate: S’wak NGO blasts religious preachers

[superadmin]

PUTRAJAYA – Tolerance and the willingness to understand other races and religions are values that religious preachers should evangelise instead of inciting racial and religious persecution and hatred, a Sarawak-based non-government organisation (NGO) said today.

Kindy Nyadang, a committee member of the Terabai Menua Sarawakian community NGO and a Dayak himself, lamented how religious preachers only make themselves appear ignorant when they assert inaccuracies about other cultures and races to their followers, instead of preaching about the religion’s actual values.

He said those such as Ustaz Syakir Nasoha, who has long been condemned by non-Muslims for preaching inciteful sermons to his followers, should instead get their facts right about other cultures and races within Malaysia instead of making generalisations, especially when it concerns those in Sabah and Sarawak.

“One has to understand that us Dayaks are not only made up of Christians; there are those of us who are Muslims as well. The same goes for Dayaks in Indonesia and other neighbouring countries.

“So, to those like Ustaz Syakir Nasoha, or anyone else, before preaching or commenting on the Dayaks, understand that there are many different tribes among us.

“When you mention Dayak, it also affects the Iban, the Kadazan, Kelabit, Murut, Melanau, and such.

“If I, who have been living in Kuala Lumpur for 26 years, can learn to understand and respect the cultures and beliefs of others, why can’t they respect mine?” he asked.

Be fair, activist urges authorities

Kindy, 39, also complained about the seemingly partial reactions from authorities when it concerns religiously charged insults.

- More -