THE Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) has told Chinese organisations to continue embracing moderation and appreciating harmony.
Its chairman Datuk Seri Khor Teng How called on the Chinese organisations to continue opposing all kinds of extremism, so that the people can coexist harmoniously in the country and become prosperous.
“PCTH is a non-governmental organisation which advocates moderation. We value the harmony we have in this country.
“We have heard extreme remarks made by politicians from time to time, which are unacceptable to us.
“These politicians should stop making such remarks or use religious and racial issues to divide the people.
“While such acts may attract the attention of a small group of people, such extremism will only threaten the unity of the nation,” he said in his speech at the PCTH Chinese New Year celebration in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling today.
Khor also pledged that the PCTH would continue with their mission and roles, as well as to cooperate with the state government to create a happy and peaceful nation.
Khor expressed his appreciation to all parties for their support over the last eight years.
“This Chinese New Year celebration is the last time that I will preside over as the chairman of the PCTH,” he said.
“I would also like to thank Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak for gracing the celebration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the Year of the Tiger with the spirit of optimism.
He urged everyone to play their roles in ensuring that all things return to normalcy.
“We carry a huge responsibility to restore and to stabilise the economy.
“It is important for us to strengthen our partnership with one another so that we can provide a stronger and secured platform for Penang’s future,” Chow said.
Chow also hoped that the Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’, would attract more participation and collaboration to fulfill the dreams and expectations of the people.
“I am confident that this strategic partnership can be realised and achieved successfully,” he added.
Among those present were Chinese Consul General in Penang Lu Shiwei, Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, state executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng, state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad