Christians in nation building - a perspective from Sarawak

This paper argues that Sarawak must sustain its role as the last gatekeeper of pluralism in the Federation of Malaysia. No other state is capable of doing this in the Federation. Sarawak is an exemplary example of how plurality should and can be maintained and promoted. The multiethnic peoples of the region live peacefully, respecting and celebrating each other's differences. This is not found in real terms anywhere else in other parts of Malaysia. Penang is a plural state in the sense that Malay and Chinese residents are about equal in number, but Malay domination has effectively reduced any plural voices that Chinese, Indians and others may offer. Sabah is plural too, but ethnicity is effectively becoming less favoured in the Sabahan discourse, with the focus shifting to the Muslim and non-Muslim divide. In that sense, Sabah is also effectively being reduced to a second Penang. Sarawak is plural from any perspective, be it in terms of ethnicity (Dayak, Chinese and Malay/ Melanau) or religious beliefs (Muslim, Christian and other belief systems). But the most important thing is that the plurality of ethnicities and religions are evident in immediate and extended families, where family members may practise several religions, come from different ethnic backgrounds and yet are able to sit together for meals during Gawai, Kaamatan, Hari Raya, Christmas, Chinese New Year and even Deepavali.

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