THE Penang government remains resolute in championing inclusivity and progress for all Penangites.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reiterated this resolve during his visit to St George’s Church Carnival at Farquhar Street today.
Joined by leaders and parishioners, they celebrated the 205th church anniversary and its first anniversary of the church’s elevation to Pro-Catheral status.
Chow emphasised the importance of nurturing understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among different religious communities to forge a stronger and more cohesive society.
“As we prepare to immerse ourselves in the festivities of the Carnival, let us not forget the underlying message of unity, inclusivity, and progress that binds us together as a community.
“Initiatives such as the Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) and the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023 are shining examples of our dedication to fostering harmony and understanding.
“I urged each of you to join hands and become active participants in this journey. Together, let us celebrate our diversity, embrace our differences, and forge ahead towards a brighter future in line with the Penang2030 vision for generations to come,” Chow said in his speech.
Highlighting Harmonico as the sole institution of its kind in Malaysia, Chow said the state government has allocated it RM1.3 million for 2024. The fund is to fuel interfaith dialogues and cultural exchanges, enriching our community fabric through diverse engagement activities and programmes.
Additionally, the RM10 million allocation outlined in the Unity Manifesto reaffirms the state’s unwavering commitment to preserving non-Islamic places of worship until 2028.
Chow said the Penang Non-Islamic Places of Worship Trust Fund Committee (TARIBI) has diligently reviewed and approved numerous funding applications, totalling RM1.73 million. These funds will aid in maintaining and preserving non-Islamic places of worship across Penang.
He said the state government, in recognition of its longstanding dedication to serving the needs of its congregation and the wider community, proudly bestowed upon St George’s Church the Penang Centennial Excellence Award – an accolade they richly deserved.
Moreover, he was heartened to see St George’s Church partnering with George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) for the Georgetown Heritage Celebrations 2024.
Also present at the celebration were Lim Hui Ying, Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjung MP; Datuk A. Rajendran, mayor of Penang Island City Council; Rev Dr Steven Abbarow, Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia; Rev Dr Stephen Soe, Suffragan Bishop of the Northern Region of the Diocese of West Malaysia; Rev Stephen Vello, organising chairman Ho Yik Tuck, Ng Xin Yi, GTWHI senior cultural heritage officer; and Jaya Paul Dhas, St George’s Church warden.
Lim said she was pleased to witness that the church, the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia, still stands as strong and vibrant as ever and continues to grow today.
“You are certainly our pride and a true jewel of Penang!
“We believe that every Malaysian, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, deserves to live in a society where peace and mutual respect prevail. The Kerajaan Perpaduan (Unity Government) is more than just a coalition; it is a reflection of Malaysia’s Identity — diverse, inclusive, and united.
“By upholding moderate politics, we safeguard the very fabric of our society, ensuring that Malaysia remains a beacon of harmony and stability in a rapidly changing world.
“Let us move forward together, with moderation as our guide, to build a Malaysia that is prosperous, stable, and harmonious for all,” she said.
Rev Soe said the church, which was gazetted as a historical site in 1996, was listed as one of Malaysia’s 50 National Heritage Treasures in 2007.
He said it is holding three events this year in conjunction with Georgetown Heritage Celebrations 2024 to celebrate its 205th anniversary and the first year anniversary of being elevated to the status of pro-cathedral.
The events include the ongoing St George’s Day Art Exhibition commencing last Sunday (April 21) to May 4, showcasing a collection of art pieces depicting Penang’s rich heritage by renowned artists Lefty Julian and Vincent Phang. The exhibition is held at the Heritage Centre within St George’s Church.
Additionally, there is the St George’s Day Carnival held today, followed by the 205th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service tomorrow. The service will be led by the diocesan bishop from Kuala Lumpur, the Rt. Rev Dr Steven Abbarow.
During a musical concert after the VIPs had delivered their messages, a group of special needs children gave a heartwarming performance. Later, the VIPs toured the grounds where food stalls were set up and visited the art exhibition at the Heritage Centre of the church.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis