The Sarawak government has succeeded in preserving Islam and at the same time allowed the propagation of other religions said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid said what was unique about Sarawak is the respect shown by the Muslims and non-Muslims towards each other to live in peace and harmony.

"Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his predecessor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud had always preserved the ideals of Islam but gave other religions equal freedom," he told reporters at the Al-Abiyad Mosque in Matang Jaya, Petra Jaya, here tonight.

Ahmad Zahid who announced a RM3 million allocation to the Al-Abiyad Mosque which is under construction said Islam must be seen as a religion that professed peace and harmony.

The Deputy Prime Minister who is also the Home Minister said a police station would be build in Matang Jaya for the benefit of the people.

Ahmad Zahid who was accompanied by Barisan National candidate for Tupong, Fazzrudin Abd Rahman, earlier performed the Maghrib and Isyak prayers at the Al-Muhajirin Mosque which is situated about a kilometre from the Al-Abiyad Mosque.