Penang Government sets up Pas-supported inter-religious council

GEORGE TOWN, Tues: 

The Penang government is setting up an inter-religious goodwill council to promote better understanding between the different faiths. Chief minister Lim Guan Eng will head the Pas-supported council, which will include deputy chief ministers Mohamad Fairus Khairuddin and Dr P. Ramasamy and religious experts.

Lim said the council was necessary as the state government represented people of all races. "The council will also ensure that issues relating to race and religion are not exploited by certain people," he said after meeting Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang who paid a courtesy call in Komtar here today. Hadi was accompanied by several other Pas leaders, including party vice-president Mohamad Sabu.

Lim said the state government was committed to ensuring fairness and justice for all, regardless of race or religion.

On the meeting, Lim said it centred on how both parties could play their part in promoting greater understanding among the races not only in the state but nationwide.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hadi said the recent general election results clearly showed that non-Malays had voted for Pas candidates and Malays for the DAP.
"The people have shown they were united and they now want to see their leaders also becoming united. That is why we have formed Pakatan Rakyat," he said, referring to the recently formed formal coalition involving Pas, DAP and PKR.

Abdul Hadi said it was time everyone concentrated on strengthening their similarities instead of focusing on differences because by doing so, the opposition parties can show they were committed to a fair deal for everyone. "My only hope is the media also gives us fair coverage," he said.

To a question about the opposition's claims that it would be able to wrest control of the federal government within seven months, Abdul Hadi said: "Yes...it may happen. We can only plan but God disposes. Whatever it is, we will not resort to buying or bribing anyone. It will involve a migration of Barisan Nasional MPs to our side."

--NST