THE annual Thaipusam celebrations in Penang positively reflect the multiculturalism that is being practised here in the state, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said.
Lim said this year’s celebration sparks a new life force than the usual years as the silver and golden chariots have agreed on a ‘Unity Thaipusam’ after the formation of a unity government last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Unity among the races and religions can be seen through celebrations, that are usually celebrated at a large scale, involving not only the local Hindu devotees but also visitors and tourists from afar and near.
“The Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) has been making good progress since the new committee took office, and they must keep up the good work to ensure harmony is always protected among the Hindu community,” Lim told a press conference at the Waterfall Hill Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga today.
Earlier, Lim announced a contribution of RM50,000 to PHEB in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebrations this year.
Reflecting on his tenure as the former chief minister of Penang, he recalled overcoming challenges to secure PHEB’s current office building in Jalan Macalister.
“The office building, before it went to PHEB, was designated for civil servants.
“It wasn’t easy for us to acquire the space but I thought it was important for PHEB, a statutory organisation formed under the Hindu Endowments Act, to have an office on their own.
“I am glad that we successfully achieved the goal,” Lim added.
Meanwhile, PHEB chairman RSN Rayer thanked Lim for his consistent contributions, acknowledging him as a regular and dependable supporter of PHEB.
Also present were PHEB deputy chairman Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran and its commissioner and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal