Deputy Minister: Uphold Sarawak values to avert tragic incidents like Ulu Tiram police station attack

Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi addressing the closing ceremony of Kuching District-level Quran Recitation Competition at the Darul Hana Mosque on May 17, 2024. Photo credit: TVS/Ahmad Nasrullah

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 18: Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi has urged people to steadfastly uphold the Sarawakian values by ensuring harmony and mutual respect to prevent incidents like the recent attack on Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, which tragically claimed the lives of two police officers, from ever occurring in Sarawak.

Condemning the recent assault case in Johor Bahru, Dr Abdul Rahman expressed deep disappointment and dismay, particularly due to its connection with the Islamic faith.

“The involvement of Islam in this tragedy has left us disheartened and concerned. It is our sincere hope that such occurrences are isolated incidents involving specific groups and do not reflect on Islam as a whole.

“May we continue to uphold security within our communities, ensuring that harmony and mutual respect endure as fundamental principles guiding our present and future,” he said in a news report by TVS.
He highlighted this to the media after officiating the closing ceremony of Kuching District-level Quran Recitation Competition at the Darul Hana Mosque yesterday (May 17).

Dr Abdul Rahman emphasised Sarawak’s renowned unity and mutual respect among its diverse communities, underscoring these values as vital pillars supporting the prosperous way of life in the region.

Addressing another aspect, he explained the responsibilities of agencies under the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS), particularly highlighting the role of the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) in organising Islamic religious activities.

He stressed that these efforts aim to preserve the harmony among Sarawak’s diverse communities while also considering factors such as security.

“For instance, any Mosque and Surau Management Committee seeking to invite speakers, whether locally or internationally, must obtain formal approval from JAIS director.

“In cases where individuals attempt to spread misinformation contrary to Islamic teachings, such actions are diligently addressed by MIS through JAIS,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, Dr Abdul Rahman urged vigilance among Mosque and Surau Management Committees to prevent misuse of their premises by unauthorised parties and encouraged reporting of any instances of misinformation regarding Islam to JAIS.

Meanwhile, on Friday, two police officers were killed and another injured in Ulu Tiram police station when they were attacked by a man suspected of being a member of the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The attacker was shot dead at the scene.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said that so far, seven individuals had been detained, including two private higher education institution students aged 21 and 22, as well as the 62-year-old father of the suspect, who is also a JI member. — DayakDaily