Mazu

Something is not quite right here.In fact,it is rather confusing. I am talking about the debate raging over the Mazu statue that is supposed to be built in Kudat, our northern town . Kudat has been the hometown of two of our most colourful politicians, namely, the late Tun Fuad Stephens and the late Tun Mustapha. Kudat was also the offloading point for most of the Chinese coolies who were brought here by the British.

Now, a tranquil, pretty seaside town, it can boast to be one of the cleanest towns in Sabah. A three hour drive away from the capital Kota Kinabalu, it has some interesting tourist attractions. One that is being touted as a must see in the area is the Tip of Borneo, where the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea meet at a place called Simpang Magayau giving the clear waters around the furtherest part of northern Borneo a deep blue colour which is both fascinating and an exhilarating experience to savour. Credit must go to Datuk Chong Kah Kiat,for developing the area.

There was much speculation when he,as the Tourist Minister- cum -the Deputy Chief Minister, resigned recently and that his “on principles” resignation was due among others to the disagreement between him and the Chief Minister over the building of this Chinese Goddess of the Sea statue,said to be the tallest in the world to attract more tourists to the area.

The approval was given by the local authority, and works started and the base for the statue has been completed. Then, there was an order for the works to be stopped from the State Secretary as local sensitivities have not been fully taken into consideration, it was reported. Apparently, this massive statue is being built too close to a mosque.

When asked by the local press, the Chief Minister said he never objected to the statue being built. The question is who then authorised the State Secretary to order to stop work if the Chief Minister never objected to it. It is very strange how our local administration works.The Chief Minister can be overruled by his civil servant? Who is in charge then?

Also, what many people want to know is why the approval was given in the first place? Didn’t the local authority deliberate on the pros and cons of the project? Or, was it a case of when the Minister wanted something done, everybody just nodded their heads in agreement without contradicting him? And, when problems arise later, just point fingers and pretend not to know. Is it fair to order to stop work when the project is almost half done? This is a private project being done on a private property, the rule of law must come into play somehow. You can’t give the approval,then change your mind about it later. Nobody wants to do business if their investments are at the whim and fancy of officialdom.

In Sabah, the people generally get along well with one another because of the many mixed marriages amongst the various ethnic groups . Cultural or religious issues seldom surface here, as people are very tolerant. What this episode has shown is that in a multi cultural, multi religious society, we cannot take things for granted. If we don’t handle things properly, they can well blow in our faces. Once the damage is done, it’s hard to get things back to where they were before.

Lines are slowly being formed along political and religious lines on this issue, if this is not handled with the most sensitivity, then, we will have to spend more time to put the fire out. But, I am sure the State government will handle it to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. There is not much option,really.