KUCHING: The Malaysia Christian Youth Association (MCYA) Sarawak branch has praised Minister of Land Development Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing for standing his ground on religious freedom.
In a statement, MCYA urged peace-loving citizens to fully support Masing.
The branch fully agreed with Masing, who is also its patron, that a multicultural nation such as Malaysia cannot afford to be embroiled in religious and racial discord.
“Tan Sri James Masing needs the support of all Malaysians who sincerely want our nation to have peace and stability. Whoever is causing the instability of religious chaos should be condemned and cast aside,” the association said yesterday.
“We are deeply disappointed with those who deliberately incite religious sensitivities.”
MCYA Sarawak called for freedom and respect among all Malaysians.
“It is a great loss for the nation whenever there is disharmony caused by racial and religious extremists,” said the statement.
MCYA Sarawak chided former Information Minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin for his extreme criticism of Masing as well as suggesting that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem should let bigots and extremists into the state.
The association said Zainuddin was glorifying those causing religious tensions as nationalists and insinuating that Masing is the enemy within for standing up against extremism.
MCYA Sarawak also called on Sarawakians to rally behind Adenan and Masing, who advocate a moderate and tolerant society.