SOCIAL INTERACTION IN MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN RELATIONS IN KOTA KINABALU AND KENINGAU, SABAH.

Sintang, Suraya; Kamu, Assis; Mohd Khalli, Mohd Nazmi

The people of Sabah are known for their exceptional tolerance and ability to foster peaceful coexistence. Although socioreligious relations are deteriorating due to various factors, the situation in Sabah is quite different. This study explains how social interaction between Muslims and Christians in Sabah turns cultural understanding through family ties and neighbours/friends of other religions. A total of 234 respondents were involved in this quantitative case study in Kota Kinabalu and Keningau. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and a chi-square test to describe the distribution of responses for variables of religions between Muslim and Christian respondents. The findings revealed that social interaction between Muslims and Christians in the studied areas was positive. Muslims and Christians practised cultural understanding during festivals and everyday activities. It might be argued that tolerance and mutual understanding across different religions are nurtured through the intertwining of contacts. The family bonding and local ties allow an unlimited connection, which helps to lessen religious gaps in understanding. This study concludes that religion should not be considered solely as a source of conflict but rather serves as a means of fostering a spirit of coexistence.

SOCIAL interaction; CHI-squared test; CULTURAL relations; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; RELIGIONS

Kajian Malaysia: Journal of Malaysian Studies, 2024, Vol 42, Issue 2, p287

0127-4082

Academic Journal

10.21315/km2024.42.2.13