As US-led troops continue to pound Iraq with bombs and missiles, citizens of various ethnic and religious groups in Penang came together yesterday to hold a 'prayer for peace' for the Iraqis, which proceeded without police disruption.

About 200 people gathered at the Millennium Square shopping complex at the Penang Esplanade, carrying colourful placards stating their opposition to the US administration.

Among the messages were 'Who are the terrorists?', 'Don't drop bombs, drop Bush', 'More trees, less Bush', 'Oppose war' and 'United for peace'.

The religious groups were represented by the Sikh Gudwara Temple, Buddhist Association, Masjid Kapitan Keling, Malaysian Hindu Sangam (Penang branch) and the Good Shepherd Church.