KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri T.C Goh, the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), has expressed his appreciation and full support for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, for declaring that the Guidelines on Muslim Participation in Non-Muslim Activities are not applicable in Sabah.
He acknowledged that the stance taken by the Chief Minister and the Sabah state government has been well received, particularly by the non-Muslim community.
“This fully demonstrates the diversity of the Sabah state government, which has upheld and promoted a multicultural policy for many years. It is commendable that Sabah remains unaffected by some highly controversial proposals or policies from the federal government,” he said.
Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Sabah and F.T Labuan Hokkien Associations (FSLHA) made these remarks in a press statement today, after attending the 2025 National Lunar New Year Gathering organized by the Federation of Hokkien Associations Malaysia (FHAM) under the leadership of Tan Sri Lim Hock San in Klang. His comments were in response to the Chief Minister’s statement during a Chinese New Year event jointly organized by ten Chinese associations and non-governmental organizations in Tuaran.
Goh emphasized that his views on this issue align with those of the Chief Minister, adding that the federal government’s decision to ultimately withdraw the proposed guidelines was a wise move.
“As the Chief Minister stated, this proposed guideline does not apply to Sabah. Therefore, in Sabah, the state government continues to uphold the principle of mutual respect,” he said.
The Chief Minister also urged the public not to be influenced by the situation in other regions and stressed that the various ethnic communities in Sabah shall continue to live in harmony. He pointed out that many families in the state have relatives of different religious beliefs.
Sharing his personal experience, Hajiji recalled that when his in-law passed away, he paid his respects at St. Philip’s Church in Tamparuli.
“This did not diminish my faith nor weaken my Muslim identity. Everything is about our inner convictions,” he said.
Goh expressed his agreement and appreciation for the Chief Minister’s open-minded remarks, as well as his inclusive governance approach in fostering goodwill and harmony among different ethnic and religious communities.
On another note, Goh also expressed his full agreement and support for the statement made by FHAM President Tan Sri Lim Hock San during the New Year gathering. Lim had stated that the federation remains committed to its role in overseeing government policies and will continue to provide feedback and recommendations on policy-making and public welfare issues.
Goh emphasised that, besides FHAM, Chinese associations and the Chinese community in Malaysia also play a crucial role in this regard. They remain concerned about national affairs and ethnic relations, advocating for the interests of all citizens, including the Chinese community, and the future of the country. He stressed that through close collaboration between the government and the people, Malaysia can continue to develop into a beautiful nation.-pr/BNN
