Premier: ‘Merry Christmas’ cake ban “tak masuk akal” when Islamic history supports Muslims sending greetings to non-Muslims

Abang Johari (centre) and other distinguished guests in a photo with religious leaders and attendees of Unifor Appreciation Night at a hotel in Kuching on Dec 20, 2023. Photo credit: Ukas

By Karen Bong and Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Dec 21: The ban on decorating cakes with Christmas greetings “tak masuk akal” (doesn’t make sense), said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg while highlighting Islamic history where Prophet Muhammad initiated greetings and visits to establish ties with China.

He shared that Prophet Muhammad during his time had sent an official to establish relationship or diplomatic ties with China through greetings and this continued to be practiced by the Khalifahs, who acted like governor, even after his death. One official even met with Emperor Gaozu of the Tang dynasty (648-683).

“Muslim sending greetings to non-Muslim. So, is it wrong to send greetings to a non-Muslim based on Islamic history?,” he sneered at yet another controversy to hit Peninsular Malaysia.

Speaking at the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Appreciation Night at a hotel here last night (Dec 20), Abang Johari expressed pride in Sarawakians for their rationality, citing the commonality of mixed marriages had fostered close relationships among diverse communities.

“Putting ‘Merry Christmas’ greeting on cakes also banned? What happens if your father-in-law is not a Muslim?

“You want to show care and love to your father-in-law as you are part of the family. So if you want to send ‘Happy Birthday father-in-law, from Abang Jo’, assuming my father-in-law is not a Muslim, that means I cannot send,” he joked.

He argued that nurturing and promoting family relationships should prevail over religious differences.

“For Sarawak, intermarriage is so common that there are Chinese married to Malay, Iban married to Malay, or even Orang Ulu married to Chinese and all kinds of mixed marriages.

“With mixed marriages, you have a family comprising all religions. And to ban greetings just don’t make sense,” he said, unable to comprehend the hooha over such a petty issue in Peninsular Malaysia.

Abang Johari urged people to preserve unity, peace, and harmony, while discouraging quarrels that could lead to suspicion.

He emphasised Sarawakians’ rationality, based on logic, history, and facts, has continued to foster great relationships and served as a strong foundation for the progress of Sarawak.

Despite differences in race or religion, he said cooperation among ministers in the cabinet and political parties like Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) working together as one GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) team to protect Sarawak’s rights.

“So continue to look after your religion, and pray for Sarawak. Respect one another so we can send cakes with Merry Christmas greetings tomorrow,” he said.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep and Unifor director Datuk Jack Aman Luat were among those present. — DayakDaily