The MCA today donated RM80,000 to the Metro Tabernacle Church which was relocated to its new premises in Batu Caves, following an arson attempt at its previous site in Desa Melawati on Jan 7.

NONE MCA vice-president Kong Cho Ha handed over the donation to the church's senior pastor Reverend Ong Sek Leang.

"Today, we can see that the leaders and members of the church have put behind this episode (arson attempt), and forgiven (those behind the arson attempt) and are praying for the peace and harmony of the nation.

"I think this is a very good gesture," he told a press conference after lunch with pastors and leaders of the church here today.

Kong, who represented MCA president Ong Tee Keat who is recovering from a minor leg operation, said the donation was to facilitate the church to move on.

"I hope all communities in our country will emulate the spirit of the Metro Tabernacle Church...for us, as a very multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-cultural country to live in harmony," he added.

'We love our nation'

Rev Ong said the church thanked the MCA which had also offered its hall in Wisma MCA for free for the church to hold two Sunday services, following the arson attempt.

He said the church had carried on its activities for two weekends at the new premises in Batu Caves.

"We want to re-affirm that we love our nation and are committed to grow with this nation, together with our government...we have no animosity against anyone, have forgiven and thank the MCA and the government for helping us through this recent situation," he added.

    

Rev Ong said, apart from the MCA, the church had received RM500,000 from the government, RM100,000 from CIMB foundation and RM6,000 from well-wishers.

    

On Jan 29, two brothers and their friend, all despatch riders, were charged at the sessions court here for attempted arson. They claimed trial.