A new state executive council (exco) portfolio has been set up in Penang to handle non-Islamic religious affairs.

NONE The exco, which will be handled by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ( right ) deals with religious matters related to Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism, Taoism and Hinduism.

There is currently an exco member, Batu Maung assemblyperson Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, who is in charge of Islamic affairs in Penang.

Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, who has been tasked to be the deputy of the new department, presented the portfolio at the exco's weekly meeting last week.

It was approved in conjunction with the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week by the United Nations this week.

"Unlike the Federal Government's Committee for the Promotion of Inter-religious Understanding and Harmony, this is not a committee but a full exco portfolio and reflects the state government's genuine concern on all religious matters," said Lim in a statement.

 "Further, as George Town is a Unesco World Heritage city, the formation of this portfolio is timely as it promotes diversity and positive human interaction on cultural, religious and social spheres," he added.

"Despite our differences, we are united by our common aspirations for good practices and universal moral values of peace, justice, moderation and harmony".

 Co-operation not confrontation

Lim said co-operation not confrontation, mutual respect not tolerance, and understanding not ignorance will be the governing creed of the portfolio.

He added that Penang was willing to work with Prime Minister Najib Razak who had expressed hopes at the United Nations' 65th general assembly last year, during which he said he did not want any extremist or militant groups to threaten unity and security in Malaysia.

Lim said the Penang government was concerned at the existence of extremist groups who seek to racialise every event for their own selfish interests.

To date, the state has been accused of being involved in eviction and demolishment exercises of homes and hawkers stalls belonging to the Malays, although the former insisted that non-Malays were also not spared the wrath of the municipal council for its illegal activities.

The state, under the Pakatan government, has been also alleged to have marginalised the Malays, and at times, insulting the community and its religion, Islam.

"Penang has been under siege with attacks of being anti-Malay even if it involves only 10 percent of the Malays or one Malay out of 10 affected parties," Lim added.

"We call on the people to embrace the future by embracing every Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban, as Malaysian brothers and sisters, Malaysian sons and daughters," he stressed.