IN Malaysia, we embrace our differences and live harmoniously, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He said Malaysia is a very special country because the people are able to understand and appreciate each other’s culture and work towards fostering unity and peace.
Chow said this after launching the ‘Street of Harmony Seberang Jaya’ event on in Seberang Perai today.
Organised by the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico), the event was part of its week-long PEACE programme.
The launching was held to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which falls on Sept 21 this year. The theme is ‘End Racism, Build Peace’.
“Seberang Jaya is a very special area as it houses nine different places of worship. It is not only famous as a tourist attraction spot but also as an important landmark of peace and harmony in the state.
“Some 20 years ago, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling on the island attained the ‘Street of Harmony’ status as several historic places of worship can be found there.
“Just like promoting love in the community, Penang is also an agent of peace.
“It has been proven through our commitment that we respect, embrace, and celebrate one another’s beliefs and faith.
“One good example is Harmonico’s commendable initiative today which fosters unity among the people.
“This event is important for us to move forward and realise our Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’.
“We need a coherent society with community empowerment, where peace and harmony are the cornerstones,” Chow said in his speech during the launching ceremony in Seberang Jaya today.
The launch was held in an open space located next to the Gurdwara Sahib Butterworth, which is one of the nine places of worship there.
The other places of worship include the Ku Cheng Tse Temple, Arulmigu Sri Bala Murugan Temple, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Peniel Christian Fellowship, Seberang Jaya Buddhist Association, Guang Yin Temple, Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple and Masjid Sembilang.
Chow also said the launching ceremony was timely as Malaysians were coming together to celebrate Malaysia Day today.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, in her speech, said that the occasion was a reminder for all to build a strong, resilient, and peaceful nation.
“We need to be mindful of having compassion and kindness in our thoughts when interacting with others.
“Respect the differences between one another and celebrate what brings us together,” Chong Eng said in her speech.
Later, Chow and his entourage were taken on a ‘Peace Exploration Tour’ at the premises.
Also present were Bagan Dalam assemblyman Satees Muniandy, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar