SNAPSHOT | Group pans Perlis MB's 'horrific' shooting of cow; govt to ensure equitable benefits for East M'sia

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Group pans Perlis MB's 'horrific' shooting of cow; govt to ensure equitable benefits for East M'sia

11am

Cow shooting

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has described the shooting of a “defenceless cow” by Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah, before the Aidiladha sacrificial ceremony on Wednesday, as “horrific and deeply shocking”.

  The animal rights group, which advocates a strict vegan lifestyle, said in a statement that the spirit of compassion during the festivity should extend to all, including animals.

  “Going vegan is a powerful way to spare animals from suffering and death.

  “Those in positions of power should show true strength through compassion and restraint, not by inflicting violence on defenceless animals,” it said.

  A viral photograph showed Abu Bakar raising a rifle to a standing cow, but the Bersatu lawmaker had claimed the cow became “aggressive” after earlier breaking loose.

• An aide to Ipoh Timor MP Howard Lee has urged authorities to expedite the investigation into the “cow shooting” case, particularly on the use of a firearm in a public setting.

  Norriduan Idrus reminded that the animal sacrifice process requires a high level of compassion, and so the use of a firearm was regrettable.

  “In situations where an animal escapes or becomes aggressive, priority should be given to safer and more professional control methods by trained personnel before resorting to measures involving the use of firearms,” he said.

  

  Norriduan also said safety concerns should not be used as a justification to avoid scrutiny of actions that raise questions from procedural, ethical, and governance perspectives.

• Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin said that animals that are permissible for consumption but are difficult or impossible to catch for slaughter may first be shot with an arrow or firearm.

  In a statement, Asri said that apart from using weapons, employing hunting animals such as dogs to capture the animal is also permitted in Islam.

  However, he said the individual concerned must first recite Bismillah before firing an arrow, discharging a firearm, or releasing the hunting animal.

  “If the arrow, bullet or bite causes the animal’s death, then it is permissible to eat it.

  “If it does not kill the animal, it must be slaughtered in the usual manner,” he said.

Kaamatan Festival

• The government is determined to ensure that Sabah and Sarawak continue to receive equitable and sustainable development benefits through the provision of better educational opportunities, access to quality healthcare, and comprehensive basic infrastructure development, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

  In a Facebook post in conjunction with the Kaamatan and Gawai festivals today, Anwar said these efforts aim to ensure that the people of both states enjoy a more dignified quality of life.

  

  He also noted that Kaamatan and Gawai are thanksgiving celebrations rooted in the traditions and heritage of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, observed in a spirit of togetherness, consensus and appreciation for the bounty of the land.

  “Amid the diversity of customs, languages and cultures that colour our nation, these celebrations remind us that Malaysia’s strength lies in its ability to preserve harmony within diversity, strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, and nurture a culture of mutual respect,” he said.

  The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Rungus communities in Sabah, is more than a cultural celebration, serving as a symbol of gratitude, unity and togetherness in the state's multiracial society.

• In a Facebook post, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said the harvest festival, observed annually on May 30 and 31, also reflects the harmony enjoyed by Malaysians regardless of race, religion or cultural background.

  Fadillah, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the 2026 Kaamatan Festival theme, “Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”, aptly captures the spirit of togetherness and cooperation among Sabahans.

  “This spirit is the foundation of Malaysia’s strength in overcoming challenges and ensuring the nation remains stable, competitive and sustainable.

  “May this year’s Kaamatan Festival bring blessings and well-being, while further strengthening unity and goodwill among Malaysians. Kotobian Tadau Tagazo do Kaamatan (Happy Kaamatan Festival),” he said.

• Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Dr Joachim Gunsalam has urged Sabahans not to create divisions through new ethnic labels, saying the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) identity should remain a unifying umbrella for indigenous communities.

  

  Responding to social media discussions proposing that the term KDMR be replaced with "Momogun" to better reflect inclusivity, Joachim warned that efforts to separate established ethnic identities could undermine long-standing harmony among Sabah's indigenous groups.

  "As an elder, I would advise the younger generation not to divide the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus identity, which should remain strong as one entity.

  “Instead, we should use the Kaamatan Festival as a platform to strengthen unity," he said, according to Bernama.

  Joachim, who is also deputy president of the Kadazandusun Cultural Association, stressed that Sabah's more than 30 indigenous ethnic groups share common cultural roots despite differences in geography, dialects and beliefs.

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