Religious Guidelines Not Relevant

“In Sabah we are peaceful and respectful, and we live in harmony. We have relatives who are from mixed marriages and of different religions.”

Hajiji was responding to the controversy in relation to the proposed religious guidelines for Muslims to attend events, functions and occasions of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and other religious faiths in Malaya. “The proposed religious guidelines are not relevant to us In Sabah. We respect each other. We attend celebrations of our multi religious and multi-racial people in Sabah,” Hajiji said on 16 February 2025 at the Angpow Festival organised by 10 Chinese associations and NGOs at Dewan Sri Sulaman, Tuaran. “When our relatives or in-laws of different religion and race passed away, we visit them at churches, temples and funeral parlours for the last respects solemnity. Doing so do not affect our own religious faith and belief or make us a lesser Muslim, for example. It is all about our akidah.” Hajiji advised Sabahans not to be influenced by circumstances in other places, clearly referring to the proposed guidelines in Malaya.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese community for continuing to be partners in developing the state. He reiterated that the State Government values all Sabahans and it also focusses on youths and students regardless of race and religion. Prior to the GRS leadership, for example, the total scholarship disbursed each year was only RM50 million. During Hajiji’s tenure, the State Government increased the funds to RM128 million per year. “We give scholarships to all eligible recipients. Last year we disbursed RM128 million to 12,000 students,” he said. “5,000 to Muslim Bumiputera, 5,000 to non-Muslim Bumiputera and 2,000 to Chinese. In addition, Hajiji said that the State Government has allocated a substantial allocation for the development of Chinese schools as part of the overall efforts to improve education in Sabah. “We thank the Chinese community for being a productive part of our bigger family,” he added. “We look forward to the continued support and good relationships.”