THE Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) continues to uphold its vision of enhancing inclusiveness and unity within the community.
State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said Harmonico upholds 3C principles to achieve its goals, namely ‘Celebrate Diversity’, ‘Communicate to Educate’, and ‘Community Empowerment’.
“We are not alone in our initiatives as they are supported by many organisations in various ways, such as by becoming our co-organisers, sponsors, and others,” Lim said during a special engagement session held at Penang Harmony Centre on March 9.
The gathering was held in conjunction with the visit of Minister of National Unity Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang to the Penang Harmony Centre.
Lim said that Harmonico’s efforts to promote harmony are in line with the ministry’s objective.
“In line with the National Unity Policy, which aims to cultivate a Malaysian society that values and embodies unity, Harmonico is committed to contributing to this goal.
“So, we hope that the ministry will share its expertise and experiences with us, as we believe that a peaceful and inclusive Malaysia is our shared responsibility.
“It is hoped this visit would further enhance the ties between Harmonico and the Ministry of Unity,” Lim, who is the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, said.
Furthermore, Lim acknowledged the contributions of the former state executive councillor Datuk Seri Chong Eng towards strengthening Harmonico’s relationship with the ministry.
“Datuk Seri Chong Eng’s previous courtesy visit to the minister has paved the way for today’s session.
“As it was announced by the ministry, the unity index in the year 2022 was 0.629, showing a positive increase compared to the 2018 figure of 0.567.
“This shows that the efforts taken by all parties did not go in vain and have helped to close the gap between the diverse ethnic groups,” Lim added.
Among the initiatives undertaken by Harmonico are the eRIBI system, a data collection system for non-Islamic houses of worship, the introduction of Street of Harmony, and the educational exploration of Street of Harmony.
Meanwhile, Harmonico manager Paul Au said the engagement session was held to further understand and learn about each other’s administration, initiatives, and shared goals to create an inclusive and harmonious society.
“Today’s engagement session is basically to create synergy between Harmonico and the Ministry of National Unity.
“We also have with us Penang’s very own artist Tang Yeok Khang. He painted a portrait of the minister (Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang), during the ongoing engagement session,” Au said.
Au added that the concept of Penang Harmony Centre is one of its kind.
Tang said this was his first time painting a minister, and took over an hour to complete his artwork. He later presented the painting to Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.
“My upcoming project with Harmonico will be the artwork of religious structures called the ‘Anatomy of Houses of Worship.
“I will be one of the illustrators for the project. My artwork always embodies themes of love and harmony,” Tang added.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Penang Harmony Centre