RESPECTING and understanding each other’s religion, ethnicity and culture can help to foster unity in the country, says Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
According to Chow, it is very important for everyone to learn more about each other as the country consists of people from various backgrounds.
“We are blessed to live in a multiracial and harmonious country like Malaysia.
“This is what makes our beloved country so unique compared to other countries.
“Cultural, religious and also ethnic diversities call for us to learn more about each other and understand the sensitivities that exist within these various social groups.
“After all, unity in diversity is the most valuable asset in our country and we need to take care of it.
“This is important for us to avoid any tension that can jeopardise our efforts in fostering unity,” Chow said in his speech at the Bukit Tengah constituency’s Chinese New Year open house at Dewan Komuniti Bayu Mutiara in Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present was Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung.
The Bukit Tengah constituency’s Chinese New Year open house was organised by the Bukit Tengah MPKK (Village Community Management Council) to mark the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. CNY falls on Jan 22.
Chow added that the public should be careful and avoid certain politicians who like to play a racial card to cause disharmony in the country.
“Do not fall to their racial and religious rhetoric to cause hatred among the people.
“This can clearly be seen in the 15th General Election (GE15).
“We should reject politicians like them. Yes, there may be disagreement in each other’s beliefs, but it is much more important to have respect for one another’s religion.
“Thank God that the Federal Government that is led by the unity government today is committed to fostering unity among the people. That is the key stability of our country,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis