CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow today commended the state’s Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee for continuously promoting harmonious living in Penang through its various faith-based initiatives.
He said the portfolio, helmed by state executive councillor Chong Eng, government, has been transparent in its programmes through the non-Islamic houses of worship (RIBI) fund and activities carried out at the Harmony Centre and others.
“The state government recognises this portfolio and its works done in the past and now, including setting up the Harmony Centre in Jalan Scotland more than a year ago.
“This centre has clearly signified the rise of this portfolio, especially serving as the perfect platform for various religions to conduct their activities for the people.
“It is important for the state to continuously promote a harmonious living among its people, and this is one way of doing so, while working closely with our Muslim brothers and sisters too,” Chow said during a courtesy call by the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Penang branch in Komtar today.
Chong Eng, meanwhile, who is also in charge of the Social Development portfolio, reiterated the Harmony Centre’s main objective, which is to create a thorough understanding of the various religions and to promote harmonious living among the people of Penang.
“We have gotten support from many Muslim leaders as well, and we believe we are heading towards the right direction where this portfolio is concerned.
“Although Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism have all been very active in their own programmes, Taoism is one religion that lacks exposure and certainly needs more engagement with its people.
“In this year’s Harmony Festival, we will be organising programmes to stress and give better understanding of Taoism because it is important for all to be sensitive to the existing religions,” Chong said.
MCCBCHST Penang chairman Tharman Anandan (Hinduism) thanked the Penang government for its support all this while and said the faith group is open to collaborate closely with the state in future events.
Also present during the courtesy call were MCCBCHST vice-chairman Loo Keat Seng (Buddhism), deputy chairman Sardar Sukhindarpal Singh (Sikhism), treasurer Teoh Seow Yin (Buddhism), committee members Liew Yean Huat (Christianity), Nachatar Singh (Sikhism), Arokiadass (Christianity) and Khor Peai Wei (Buddhism).
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi