In a Facebook post, Salleh Said Keruak said Sabah and Sarawak have shown how differences can be managed in a progressive and constructive manner.

“As our politicians continue to discuss and comment on the current political affairs in Malaysia, I wish to remind myself and every one of us to take a moment to remember how our fellow Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak might feel about it,” he said.

He said it was important to embrace the true values of being Malaysian, which includes accepting differences and embracing the diversity in the country.

He added that the need to acknowledge the supremacy of rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution must be understood.

“But let’s keep our comments and discussions respectful and mindful of our diverse society,” he said.

On Friday, Salleh said having different houses of worship located in the same vicinity is no obstacle to harmony.

The Usukan assemblyman cited Sabah as an example of how religious tolerance was well maintained among the communities of various ethnicities and religions.

This comes as PAS MP Ahmad Yunus Hairi, on Thursday, called for the local government development ministry not to allow the building of non-Muslim houses of worship, such as temples and churches, in the same vicinity as mosques.