Conflicts in Muslim nations a lesson: Sabah CM

BEAUFORT: The ongoing conflicts in some Muslim nations should serve to remind the ummah on the need to preserve harmony and peace, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman (pix).

Opening the state-level Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration here today, he said countries that had been devastated by conflicts are wistfully longing for peace.

"What is the use when the damage has been done. The frenzy towards disunity, ignoring the values of brotherhood and taking ummah solidarity for granted, has resulted in strife, misery, destitution and destruction.

"Therefore, it is important for us to cherish and maintain the peace and harmony we enjoy at this moment," he said at the celebration themed 'Ukhwah Islamiah Asas Penyatuan Ummah' here.

In addition to solidarity among Muslims, he said the bond of brotherhood with non-Muslims was equally important and should be preserved.
Accordingly, Musa called on Sabah Muslims to emulate the Prophet's relations with non-Muslims through the Charter of Madinah which empasised on preserving peace and cooperation among the communities of different race and religion.
"Sabah is unique because of its racial and religious diversity, a true example of harmony and unity," he said.

He urged the people in Sabah to maintain harmony by avoiding animosity and jealousy, and not to be easily swayed by false accusations that divide the community.

Musa led 73 contingents involving 4,500 participants from various departments and agencies in a 3.5-kilometre procession at 7.30am from Dataran Pesta Bagandang to Dewan Sri Panglima Haji Mohd Dun Banir.

At the event, former Public Services Department deputy director Datuk Ismail Awang Besar, 72, was named as 'Tokoh Lelaki Maulidur Rasul Negeri Sabah' while Datin Norsuadah Basah, 63, who was a former Social Welfare assistant minister under the Berjaya government, was named 'Tokoh Wanita'.
Ismail, who retired from the civil service 15 years ago, currently serves as Sabah Public Services Commission chairman and Sabah State Mosque chairman.

Norsuadah had previously been active in the United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) and worked in Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) Sabah as programme producer before entering politics.

Each recipient received RM10,000 cash and letter of appreciation from the state government, a watch contributed by the federal state office and a set of attire contributed by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Sabah branch.

Norsuadah's son Mohd Ishak Ibrahim represented her in accepting the gifts presented by the chief minister. — Bernama