CM: Exercise moderation

CM: Exercise moderation

by Saiful Bahari, reporters@theborneopost.com. 

Posted on January 25, 2013, Friday

BETONG: Muslims in the state are urged to be moderate in practising their religion as there is no place for extremism in the state with its multi-religious society.

The call was made by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration at Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan hall here yesterday.

He added that moderation would create conducive environment in every facet of life as the people could complement each other’s need and accommodate differing views.

“In the end, what we get in return is unity through understanding which will not only satisfy both sides but create a stronger bond.”

Taib praised the theme of this year’s Maulidur Rasul celebration ‘Moderation Key to the People’s Unity’, saying it was a timely and appropriate choice with religious extremism on the rise all over the world.

“Everyone should have an open mind and look at formulating a mutual understanding towards achieving a mission.”

He added Muslims could emulate Prophet Muhammad S.A.W in spreading the teachings of Islam, saying the prophet’s wisdom and ability to set aside differences in thinking was what led to his success in gathering those from different groups to be together with him.

“Our beloved Prophet had used the moderation approach more than 1,400 years ago and he succeeded in doing so. So I see there is no reason why it should not work now,” Taib stressed.

He complimented Muslims here for doing a tremendous job in organising this year’s state-level Maulidur Rasul celebration.

“We can see the spirit of togetherness here as I can also see those who are not Muslims together with us today. This is the spirit that we always wanted,” he said.

The Chief Minister also disclosed that the state government had identified 1,000 hectares of land in nearby Kabong for the people to develop into oil palm plantation.

“The development of such industries can lead to more job opportunities and economic spin-off, turning this district into a hub for other business too,” said Taib.

Earlier, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman said Islam is a religion which promotes balance and moderation in daily lives.

He urged people not to subscribe to extremist beliefs and be moderate in their views.

“We should not be too rigid and extreme in practising our religion,” he stressed.

Taib later on accompanied Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and his wife Toh Puan Norkiah to present various prizes for competitions held in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul.

These competitions were held in the run-up to the celebration.

Also present were Taib’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Alkurdi Taib, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas, Assistant Minister for Housing and also Minister for Youth Development, Karim Abdul Rahman Hamzah.

Around 5,000 participants from 120 contingents participated in the Maulidur Rasul procession from Betong Sports Complex to the town hall.