Kota Kinabalu, 16 August 2019: The remark of Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin that Malaysia is for Malays is totally uncalled for, said Japiril Suhaimin.
Japiril, who is Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president, told Mohd Asri that he has forgotten about the Borneon territories who are equal partners in the formation of Malaysia.
“For anybody to make racist statement as such that has totally disregarded the spirit of the formation of Malaysia.
“As a Dusun from Sabah, where will Kadazan/Dusun/Murut be placed if it is for Malays only?” Japiril questioned.
“The Malays did not exist here in Sabah or Sarawak before Malaysia was formed, so Mohd Asri’s claim is stupid, ignorant and arrogant.
“During the formation of Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak are accorded their special rights as stated in the MA63,” he added, “so Malaysia is multiracial and belongs to all the citizens of different ethnic groups and not one particular race.”
“What Mohd Asri said were mischievous and seditious that could arouse racial sentiments and animosity,” he said.
He added that Mohd Asri had selectively forgotten Sabah and Sarawak by stating that Malaysia is Tanah Melayu. Tanah Melayu was Malaya not Malaysia.
“Mohd Asri’s kind of statement is definitely not helpful in the effort of national unity and integration, it is most unfortunate that there are more and more such characters attempting to use race and religion to pursue certain agenda.
Japril urged the government to take necessary action to ensure peace and stability in the country.