KOTA KINABALU: Sabah should be more open to measures aimed at economic growth and developing the state, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Umno chief said, for example, the proposed construction of the Mazu statue (Goddess of the Sea) in Kudat district is something that can generate tourism income for Sabah.
“The construction of the statue would not disrupt or affect how Muslims pray nor does it (infringe upon) religious sensitivity,” he said in a statement on Friday (April 28).
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Bung Moktar said even a state like Kelantan, which is known as Serambi Mekkah (foyer or entranceway to Mekkah), also has a Mazu Temple just like Penang, and neither one affects how Muslims there live their religious lives.
Bung Moktar said the proposed tourist attraction should be looked at from an economic perspective, where thousands if not millions of tourists are expected to visit Kudat just to see the statue if it were built.
“Of course, there are pros and cons in every matter but we should look at this in a broader perspective. The economic returns for the state and people would be great.
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“The government should seriously consider this (project) and... the economic impact... and push aside narrow-minded sentiments,” he added.
He said it is understood that the proposed statue would not block the view from a nearby mosque or obstruct it in any way.
Some religious-based non-governmental organisations and PAS have objected to the building of the Mazu statue.
In Chinese mythology, Mazu, the goddess of the sea, is closely associated with the goddess of mercy, Guanyin.
