More promotion for inter-religious understanding

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to increase efforts to promote inter-religious understanding and harmony.

On 19.9.2010, Dr Tan comments on the media report of Najib's meeting the Inter-faith Working Committee in his office for 45 minutes on 14.9.2010.

It is a good thing that the Prime Minister met the Inter-faith Working Committee that was formed in Febraury this year. According to the Committee's co-ordinator Datuk Ilani Isahak, the Prime Minister said that there should be more meetings like the one they had and that it is a mechanism that can help resolve related issues and problems.

We wish Najib expresses his views directly. Anyway, finding time to meet the committee is a start.

In our multi-religious society, there are and will be issues such as the use of the word Allah, the building of mosques, temples and churches. People in Sabah and Sarawak use the word Allah for God. But in the Peninsula the word used by non-Muslims become sensitive.

There should be more efforts to promote inter-religious understanding and harmony. We hope Najib is true to his words that he is fair to all. No doubt, he will want to be seen as treating all citizens equally.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw