TWO organisations in Penang have come up with suggestions and efforts to help enhance unity among the various races in the country.
The Penang Goodwill Consultative Council called on the government to officially declare February 8 as National Unity Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and reinforcing racial harmony across Malaysia.
Its chairman Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff said that a nationally recognised Unity Day would highlight the country’s commitment to unity in diversity, a cornerstone of Malaysia’s social fabric.
“This country is made up of people from various ethnic backgrounds, and we should create a day known as Unity Day, celebrated collectively by all races, through a range of activities focused on fostering racial harmony,” said Mohd Yussof, a former political secretary to the first Penang chief minister the late Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee.
In a letter to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, the council formally proposed the official designation of National Unity Day on February 8.
Meanwhile, state harmony corporation (Harmonico) launched a booklet and an exhibition of the houses of worship in Straits Quay in Penang.
The booklet and exhibition were launched by Sungai Puyu assemblyperson Phee Syn Tze, who was representing state executive councillor Lim Siew Khim.
The booklet details architectural insights and local accounts from Penang's diverse communities.
It explores seven distinct typologies each representing a major religious following - the Muslim Mosque, the Chinese Buddhist temple, churches, the Hindu temples, Taoist temples, the Sikh Gurdwara and the Siamese Wat (temple).
Harmonico general manager Paul Au said that the exhibition and the booklet would explain the various faith rituals, traditions and practises so visitors can appreciate its significance to humanity.
The booklet is simple to grasp, and it can act as a guide for visitors to understand the practises in the seven places of worship in Penang, said Au. - March 26, 2025.
