TENOM, Feb 7 — Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the issue of Khalimah Allah should be resolved through consultation and negotiation at federal government level.
Ongkili, who is also energy, green technology and water minister, said this mechanism would produce a win-win solution, instead of taking on measures that could very well further erode or jeopardise the rights which Christians were fighting for.
“PBS will continue to pursue the rights of Christians in Sabah and Sarawak, to use the word, Allah in their worship, prayers, Bibles and Christian practice as they have been doing since before Merdeka,” he said at the opening of a leadership seminar organised by PBS Melalap here today.
He said PBS, as a member of Barisan Nasional, would give an undertaking to protect and preserve the 10-point solution and concession given by the Federal Government, with respect to the rights of Christians in Sabah and Sarawak, irrespective of the outcome of possible litigations and decisions of other states in the Peninsular Malaysia.
Ongkili added that the best way to preserve religious freedom in multiracial Malaysia was through the spirit of mutual respect, moderation, acceptance and consultation.
Meanwhile, touching on the party, he said the restructuring of PBS should take place to strengthen the party’s administration, machinery and membership drive among the young who must be groomed to take over the helm. — Bernama
