KUCHING, 2 Mar: The second day in the Land of Hornbills was used fully by the Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali, to visit the Chairman of ACS, Most Reverend Archbishop Datuk Bolly Lapok.
Mohamed Azmin said that among the many things discussed was the effort to create harmony in society during his brief visit to Bolly Lapok’s official residence at the St Thomas Cathedral this morning.
“We discussed how to create harmony in a composite society like Malaysia which has diverse religions, cultures and races.
“Of course it is important for Muslims and Christians to hold meetings like this so that the young generation can come and understand the importance of understanding and awareness of their respective religious,” he told Selangor Kini.
Also present was Selangor Exco, Dr Daroyah Alwi, and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Elaborating, Mohamed Azmin reiterated his stand that religious diversity is an important asset in the joint effort to develop the state and country.
On November 14, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, ordered the return of 351 Bibles that contain the word ‘Allah’ that was seized in early 2014 from the Association of Churches of Sarawak (ACS) during a courtesy call by the Chairman of ACS, Most Reverend Archbishop, Datuk Bolly Lapok, at the Alam Shah Palace in Klang.
Mohamed Azmin said that the decision was reached through dialogues, negotiations and discussions carried out by the Selangor government in addressing the conflicts of various religions in the country.
“I reiterate our thanks to him as he played an important role at the Selangor Palace and MAIS in solving the issue of the Bible seizing.
“It was not only solved amicably, but it even defused the situation,” he said.
NS
