KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has rejected a proposed bill to control and restrict the propagation of non-Muslim religions, as it goes against the spirit of the multi-cultural state as well as the Federal Constitution.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in a statement here on Thursday (Sept 9), said the state government upholds the freedom of religion principle as stated in the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

       "That said, Sabah is saying no to the government's proposal of introducing the Control on the Propagation of non-Muslim Religions Bill, as one of four new syariah laws (being drafted).

       "Sabah is a multi-cultural and multi-religious state, and its diverse folk have lived in harmony and peace for a long time.

       "Despite having different beliefs, we have always been able to be respectful to each other without any problems arising," he said.

       He said it was the diversity of ethnic groups and religions here that created the foundation for unity among the people in Sabah.

       Concerns were raised after Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Ahmad Marzuki Shaary shared that the four new syariah laws were being drafted by the government, would include a bill on control and restrictions on the development of non-Muslim religions.

       However, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on Tuesday (Sept 7) said a new syariah law plan had not been raised in Cabinet meetings.

       He said matters involving religion were under the jurisdiction of the states and if the Federal government were to draft such laws, it was not binding as states still needed to be engaged to see if they agree to them.