KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — A photo of a Sarawak church’s breaking fast event has gone viral on social media, with the inter-faith event earning praise from online users amid rising religious intolerance in Peninsular Malaysia.
The photo of the event, taken by one Colin Wei and posted on a Facebook page called Sarawak Edition, showed Muslims traditional Malay attire and nuns alike awaiting the breaking of fast, with a rood — a cross depicting the crucifixion of Jesus — fixed on a wall in the background.
According to the page, the event took place at St Joseph’s Christian Parish Centre in Kuching, Sarawak on Thursday, and the photo has been shared over 8,600 times with over 700 comments at the time of writing since it was published yesterday.
“This is the tolerant harmonious spirit and unity of the many races and religions in Sarawak,” read the caption in Malay.
Top comments on the post largely expressed pride for being Sarawakian, with calls for similar tolerance to be expressed in the Peninsular.
“We Sarawakians can sit at one table with different races without even asking ‘which party are you from?’ ‘What religion are you?’ Being ignorant does not give anyone else permission to judge us Sarawakians and Sabahans,” said a top comment by one Harezan Obeng.
“True spirit of harmony and mutual respect! It exists only in Sarawak. I fully support this. I am proud to be a Sarawakian,” commented user Han Juay Kuek.
“I do not deny that the tolerance among the races and religions in Sarawak are much better than in the Peninsular. I respect you, from a Selangor native,” wrote user Nurhan Aswad.
In April last year, about 40 people protested in front of a newly set up Community of Praise church at Metro Square in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya, fearing that its cross would lead Muslims in the area astray and lead to conversions into Christianity.
However, criticisms also marred the post, with many arguing over whether or not the event took place in the church or its hall.
“Muslims entering a church has to be for preaching… not eating,” commented user Imam As Shahfie.
The fasting month of Ramadan began on June 7, with the last day expected to fall on July 6, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri taking place the next day.
