The Penang state government has always believed that mutual respect, social harmony and peace in our diverse community can only be achieved when we celebrate both our uniqueness and differences. However this approach towards social harmony and peace has been challenged continuously by various incidents from the fire-bombing of a church last month, the fire-bombing of a police station early this month and the latest desecration of a mosque yesterday, when meat believed to be pork was thrown into the compound.
Clearly these destructive groups involved in such treacherous acts against religious places of worship have not given up on undermining and destablising the PR Penang state government. Whilst the state government will hold firm to the mandate given by the rakyat in giving a 68% popular support in the last general elections, there is genuine concern that these destructive groups will not stop until they have achieved their purpose against the state government.
Unsubstantiated reports of 3 men distributing Malay bibles to Malay children outside a school in George Town that were widely published, has only added on to the uncertainty and confusion. Despite these press reports, no police reports have been lodged nor anyone seen who these 3 men were, so that the police can take action.
The Penang state government is in close contact with the police to deal with these attempts at disturbing public peace and disrupting public order. The Penang state government remains confident that the police in Penang is on top of the situation and will take all necessary steps to check and stop these destructive elements. However until that is done, the people of Penang has to remain calm and united as well as continue with their daily lives normally.
Let us defeat the destructive elements behind the treacherous desecration on the Cheruk Tok Kun Mosque in Bukit Mertajam by celebrating both our uniqueness and differences to preserve social harmony and peace. Unity in diversity will lead to a more resilient society and stronger identities of of the groups within, making George Town a singular UNESCO World Heritage site due to the ability of our multi-cultural and multi-religious society to live in harmony.