LOVE and respect.
These are the values that have to be nurtured, practised and spread among the people.
Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid stressed on the need to develop humanitarian values.
“During the month of Ramadan, it is not only about fasting.
“We have to do good, and refrain from doing bad. However, there are some people who try to play up issues to divide the community.
“We have to counter hate with love and respect. We are all human.
“Promote and practise humanitarian values. Only then we can ‘repair’ Malaysia,” she said in her speech during the buka puasa (breaking of fast) event at Masjid Jamek Sungai Gelugor this evening.
Her call for unity was very well received by those who were present.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh echoed Syerleena’s call, urging the people to stay united.
“There are some people who have bad intention; trying to divide the community. They try to create issues from matters which are non-issues,” he said.
The ‘Majlis Berbuka Puasa Muhibbah Seri Delima’ was jointly organised by the Bukit Gelugor and Seri Delima constituencies.
The event saw people from different cultures and beliefs dining together during ‘iftar’ (breaking of the fast in the evening).
Penang mufti Datuk Seri Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor also urged everyone to stay united.
“Show the world that although we have different beliefs, we can unite as one; as Penangites and as Malaysians.
“We are brothers in humanity. We respect each other.
“There is no reason to argue. Nobody benefits if we argue with one another,” he said.
Contributions were also given to the needy at the event.
The event was successfully held despite the rain.
Also present were state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Senator Lim Hui Ying and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting