SIBU: Pelawan assemblyman Vincent Goh slammed religious extremists for causing tension in the country, saying there was no room for them in Malaysia.
LET THE GATHERING BEGIN: Goh strikes the gong to declare open the AGM of the Federation of Dou Mu Gong Malaysia. On the left is the working committee chairman Ling How Kang and at right, host temple chairman Yeo Keng Teck.
Speaking at the annual general meeting of the Federation of Dou Mu Gong Malaysia yesterday held at a hotel, Goh said some people even go to the extent of stirring up the people’s sentiments on issues relating to economic progress.
“This is not what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak wants. The national leader in all his sincerity has tried to build Malaysia as a country for all.”
Goh said Najib had hoped that his 1Malaysia concept would sow harmony in the people. The premier had tried to defuse tensions sparked by extremists.
“1Malaysia is not only a slogan, neither is it a political game. It is about national progress in harmony.”
He said there could be times when tensions got high when people went overboard, but they must be re-directed towards goodwill.
Goh said this when representing guest-of-honour Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh at the event.
On the gathering of the Federation of Dou Mu Gong Malaysia in Sibu, Goh said the spirit of 1Malaysia had shone in members.
“The temple committee members have come from throughout the country to strengthen their spiritual values through harmony. From the unity within their walls, they will walk out towards greater harmony and unity.”
He thanked the temple federation for bringing people from all states to Sibu to promote the noble value.
By so doing, they were rejecting the negative elements that pull the nation apart, he said.
“From this religious value, I hope to see a greater integration among Malaysians for economic and cultural progress. I see this as a step forward. Let us erase the negative elements in building our nation.”