SIBU: Malaysia’s unique system of Islamic traditions respects other religions and allows for religious freedom, said Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Speaking at the Sarawak-level Maal Hijrah Celebration held at the Sibu Islamic Complex yesterday, Taib said the country must work to maintain this good relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims.

“In Sarawak, we must not forget to give a good image to the world that Malaysia, which has a multiracial society and Islam as an official religion, has shown tolerance and respect for other religions.

“Thus we must continue to preserve it,” he said.

He said the practice of tolerance and respect of each other’s religions has enabled the people to live harmoniously and peacefully.

“It also enables us to rule the state, and Malaysia as a whole, in harmony and peace,” he said.

Taib added Malaysia also has good relations with other countries, which do not have Islam as their official religion.

He later presented awards to 12 Tokoh Maal Hijrah.

Earlier, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said it is vital for Muslims to appreciate and deepen their understanding of the history of Maal Hijrah.

“It is important for us to do so and we must understand the impact of the history in order to propel the development of society to a higher level,” he said.

He also called for multiracial Sarawak, and Malaysia as a whole, to live together in harmony and peace.

Among those present were Taib’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib and Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang.