KOTA KINABALU - Mutual respect among the country's diverse religions is a must to maintain harmony in the nation, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said while there was strength in diversity among Malaysia's multi-racial and multi-religious population, this was only possible if unity and harmony among them was maintained.
"In order for our religion to be respected, we must respect other religions, too," he said at a Hari Raya gathering with state leaders, civil servants and Barisan Nasional components members, Thursday.
Zahid said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and him were thankful to the Sabah Government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Musa Aman for being steadfast in its support for the Federal Government.
"We are thankful that Sabah has been a loyal partner even during the tumultuous period we have been facing," he said, adding that the state was close to the hearts of the Prime Minister and himself.
"I feel even closer to Sabah. This was where I was detained under the ISA," Zahid quipped.
Zahid was detained under the Internal Security Act during a visit to Sabah in 1998 following his criticisms against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Home Minister said that to ensure good governance in the country, loyalty and support are crucial to the Federal leadership.
Zahid Hamidi
"At a time when a vessel is continuously hit by an onslaught of strong waves, its sailors must support the captain who will steer it out of trouble," said Zahid, who was on a one-day visit to Sabah.
He said such loyalty could not be valued in terms of ringgit and sen.
Zahid said of late, the nation's leadership was facing an unprecedented attacks by various quarters, some using non-traditional media.
"We are now seeing a culture of hatred. The leadership cannot be judged by the court of public opinion," he added.
Earlier, he met Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and was accompanied by Musa Aman. - ANN
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