Khamis, 17 Februari 2011

Suara Sri Andalas

Suara Sri Andalas

Committee for Non-Muslim Affairs – Selangor & Penang

Posted: 17 Feb 2011 01:00 AM PST

I salute the move taken by YAB Lim Guan Eng and the Penang state government in forming an official portfolio for non-muslim affairs, it is an effort that is to be commended. 

The central aim and objectives of the Committee for non-muslim affairs is to promote greater interfaith understanding and build strong working relationships between all non-muslim religious bodies and the state governments. 

For example, Selangor's non-muslim committee is jointly chaired by myself, YB Teresa Kok and YB  Ronnie Liew, along with four other ADUNs,  7 representatives of the main non-muslim religious bodies and various other government department representatives including  reps from District Offices, JAIS, JKR, JPS and PTG. 

The Barisan National government should welcome  the initiatives taken by the Penang state government and not feel threatened. Furthermore, it was only 3 days ago that the "PM hailed the government's interfaith  sub-committee as key in creating a common understanding and having constructive dialogue among the different religious groups in the country."(Malaysian Insider, 14, Feb 2011).

In light of his comments  it is highly  regrettable and irresponsible of  the Government  to allow the Utusan to make such a racially provoking statement against the non-muslim portfolio established by a Pakatan Rakyat state.


It is the responsibility of everyone to promote greater  comprehension and tolerance of all the different faiths in Malaysia. We must not resort to racial and religious politics in order to  fulfil political aims. 
  
Dr Xavier Jayakumar
17 February 2011
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