STREET OF HARMONY SEBERANG JAYA LAUNCHING CEREMONY
SPEECH BY YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
STREET OF HARMONY SEBERANG JAYA
LAUNCHING CEREMONY
16 SEPTEMBER 2022 (FRIDAY)
Good evening and Happy Malaysia Day to all.
I am honoured to be here on this special and historic day for the launching of the “Street of Harmony Seberang Jaya”. As we all know, on 16th September 1963, the East Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak, along with Singapore, merged with the Malaya Federation to establish Malaysia. Even after Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965, the multi-ethnic New Malaysia has continued to live in harmony and work hand in hand to develop our beloved country to this day.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining and strengthening unity among all races in a multi-ethnic country, the Penang Chief Minister's Incorporation (CMI), on 10th March 2021, formed the very first Penang Harmony Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (HARMONICO).
HARMONICO servs as an implementing agency, overseeing religious matters other than Islam, and to execute plans and policies that will foster and bring about a harmonious society. In another words, it aims to build and promote the new concept of religious harmony to address the challenges posed by religious diversity in a globalized world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The launch today is part of HARMONICO’s PEACE 21, an event held to commemorate the International Day of Peace, which falls on 21st September this year, with the theme of “End Racism. Build Peace”.
The week-long PEACE 21 programme not only emphasizes the positive aspects of Penang’s cultural and religious diversity, but also incorporates various programmes featuring arts, exploration tour, meditation, colouring contest, and conferences that align with the state’s Penang2030 vision and LovePENANG concept.
Such activities are deemed vital by the State Government as we progress forward with the Penang2030 vision of becoming ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’. To realise the vision, we need a coherent society with community empowerment, where peace and harmony are the cornerstones.
Additionally, LovePENANG is more than just a logo or a marketing campaign for the Penang State Government. It is a call to action, to come together to help Penang rebuild and move forward for a brighter and better future ahead. Regardless of our race, religious and background, we must have one mind and one heart to promote a harmonious living and uniqueness of Penang.
As such, I would like to use this platform to encourage more individuals, academics, professionals, civil society and private sector stakeholders to participate in the various projects and initiatives of the State Government. I strongly believe that when many of us band together, even a tiny contribution can make a great difference.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Returning to today's highlight, the launching of the “Street of Harmony Seberang Jaya”. It is worth noting that the street is home to nine different houses of worship. With its distinct offering, the State Government envisions this street, becoming not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important symbol of peace and harmony in the state.
I would also like to note that, since the established of Penang's first Street of Harmony in George Town, more have been introduced, including today's. We aim to develop more both on Penang island and the mainland as we strive to make Penang as the nation's State of Harmony,
Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the RIBI (Rumah Ibadat Bukan Islam), the Board of Directors of HARMONICO, and 37 peace partners for their efforts and contributions to the PEACE 21 event. I hope that together, we will continue to inspire the nation in the spirit of the theme, 'End Racism. Build Peace'.
With that, it is with great pleasure I hereby officiate the launching of the “Street of Harmony Seberang Jaya”.
Thank you.