An MCA leader has taken a swipe at Penang opposition leader Jahara Hamid’s reported urging for a Taoist shrine to be removed from a public park on grounds that some Muslims could be confused.

MCA religious harmony bureau chief Ti Lian Ker said he hoped to see less of such leaders in the future, in order to move Malaysia out of any race, religion or cultural trappings.

“Politicians should stop being a bogeyman or exaggerate or hype up fear or sensitivity of other religions.

“Malaysians by and large are now living in harmony, with more tolerance, understanding and respect of each others religion than ever before,” Ti (photo) said, adding that such arguments often lack substance and are inferior.

The Malay Mail Online yesterday reported that Jahara had made the urging during her debate at the state assembly.

In her speech, Jahara reportedly inquired the reasons for placing the Datuk Kong shrine, where Chinese Taoists usually place offerings for blessings, in the recently refurbished Armenian Park.

The Umno Teluk Ayer Tawar assemblyperson said some Muslims may become confused by the shrine and so its position must take into account the sensitivities of other races.

Exercise more restraint

Ti, however, said that Malaysians as a whole should have more confidence on their own faith and religion.

“I do not comprehend the argument that the exposure of symbols or practices of a religion will influence or confuse followers of a different religion,” he said.

Ti also called upon Malaysians to exercise more restraint and not be overly sensitive or reactionary to the practice of others.

“Our federal constitution was founded on the basis of a multi-culture and multi-religious existence. The spirit behind the constitution of which our nation is founded is based on tolerance.

“This is the basis of which the nation was founded and this should be the basis of our continued existence that has guaranteed us many years of peace, unity and harmony,” he stressed.

The Malay Mail Online also quoted Komtar assemblyperson Teh Lai Heng, who responded to Jahara, that the shrine was already in the park before it was refurbished.