As a Peninsular Malaysian studying in Sarawak, i am baffled by the ridiculousness of the current political discourse within the Peninsular that seems to be rampant with the issue of religion, particularly Islam. Studying in Sarawak has been one of the best experiences of my life. Why? because no matter who you are, whether you are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh, Kelabit, Melanau or of any other ethnic group, as long as you are nice and treat people with respect then you will receive the same treatment. Here we don't argue over the mundane and ridiculous religious political issues. Rather religion is a personal concept, that only applies to a persons personal actions, there is minimal religious policing because it is a state that is awesome and possesses the most accepting people in the whole of Malaysia.
Yes there may be some political idiocy and corruption happening in the state, but what state can claim to be free from such things. However as compared to the Peninsular these political squabbles do not affect the everyday life of the common folk. Only in Sarawak will you see a Gurdwara situated in front of a Mosque, only in Sarawak can you find a Center for the Baha'i faith and only in Sarawak can you see people of different faiths openly respecting one another. If I could i would choose to be Sarawakian, for it has shown me that not all Malaysians are Racist Bigots...
Assallamualaikum, Heshalom Aleichem, Namaste, Peace Be Upon you
Ashli Burton Bin Amir
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