Sabah Terpaling Harmoni" – Healthy generalisation, or sarcasm?

Questioning Malaysian internet users' chants about Sabah and its people

What the... I saw a video of one of the politicians from Warisan giving a speech that said, "IF MORE PEOPLE VOTE FOR PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah), THERE WILL BE MORE CHRISTIANS IN SABAH!" What the... So, are they trying to bring what to Sabah? This is what they say in Malaysia—it's very religiously harmonious. But this political party's speech proves otherwise.

🤖: "your experience points to a recurring issue in Malaysian politics, especially in Sabah and Sarawak: the use of race and religion as a political tool"

The Nature of the Rhetoric

🤖: "A statement like the one you heard is a classic example of political scare-mongering or identity politics"

The Intent

Such a claim is generally used to incite fear or anxiety among a different religious or ethnic group (likely the Muslim community, or indigenous groups who are not Christian) to discourage them from voting for the opposition party (PBS in this case). The insinuation is that the opposition party is a threat to the current religious or political balance.

The Distortion

It falsely equates a political party's success with a religious outcome (i.e., PBS success = more Christians) to manipulate voters' emotions, rather than focusing on the party's actual policies on economy, infrastructure, or state rights.

The PBS and Christian Link

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has historically been a strong voice for the indigenous, non-Muslim communities, particularly the KDM in Sabah. While it is not exclusively a Christian party, it draws significant support from that demographic, which is why it might be targeted with such rhetoric by rivals. PBS leaders themselves have often spoken out against religious extremism creeping into Sabah.

The Reality of Religious Harmony

While the harmony amongst the people in Sabah remains strong (intermarriage is common, and people generally respect each other's faith), political actors sometimes choose to undermine that harmony by using divisive religious and racial language to gain votes. This is what many political observers and even local politicians in Sabah often criticise as "Peninsular-style politics" that is not aligned with Sabah's culture.

Fear tactic

What the Warisan politician was probably trying to do was scare people who aren't Christian into not voting for PBS, by suggesting PBS is only good for Christians. This tactic uses religion to create division and win a political advantage, which is a disappointing move and certainly goes against the spirit of a harmonious Malaysia.

The better policy is the protection of religious freedom, not supremacy ideologies

Let me ask you, the readers of this article. If we choose religious supremacy or extremist ideologies by imposing our beliefs on others under any manufactured justifications, such as being the "official religion" of the central government, we will only have one religion and live in fear—either practice that religion or face consequences created by authorities, such as harassment, because we do not choose or practice that religion.

However, when we opt for greater religious freedom and protection for all religions, as well as the freedom for citizens to believe and practise their faiths, we will not only see our religion being practised sincerely but also have all religions protected in harmony.

Therefore, I believe it is never acceptable for someone to impose their beliefs on others because it is not the religion or God that is being challenged; it is ego and the enforcement of supremacy and identity ideologies. In many religious teachings, the ultimate judgment belongs only to God. God is self-sufficient and does not need protection.

🤖: "In many religious traditions, the act of "defending" or "enforcing" a faith through coercion is seen less as a spiritual duty and more as an expression of human power.

🤖: "When human authorities or politicians claim the right to judge and enforce belief, they are, in effect, usurping a divine prerogative. This shifts the focus from sincere worship and moral conduct to outward conformity and political control."

Personally, I find it sad that even Sabahan politicians use these tactics: fear tactics and identity supremacy, to gain votes. I think this is a violation of democracy and religious freedom as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. What do you think? Let me know your comments.

🤖: "UDHR Article 18: This article specifically guarantees the "right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

🤖: "Democratic Principle: Democracy relies on citizens voting based on policies, governance, and the common good, not on being manipulated by fear, threats, or manufactured divisions. When a politician uses identity supremacy or scare tactics, it corrupts the democratic process by making the vote about fear of "the other" rather than a choice for the best way to govern."

I am voicing a critical, humanistic, and ethical demand for politics to rise above fear and division.