An interfaith council has urged the federal government to emulate the Penang government in forming an executive portfolio to handle non-Mulism religious issues.

NONEIn a statement today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hindusim, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) president Rev Thomas Philips (left) said that this is if the government is interested in walking the Prime Minister’s talk.   

The reverend pointed out that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in his inaugural UN general assembly address, had said that the world must “choose moderation over extremism” and “negotiations over confrontation”.

“We urge the Prime Minister and the government of Malaysia to support the effort by the Penang government which is in line with the rallying call of our Prime Minister at the United Nations.

“It is our fervent hope that all state governments will walk the talk of our Prime Minister and emulate the positive efforts of the Penang state government,” he said.

While MCCBHST is “encouraged” by Penang’s decision, its Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has received severe criticism from others who have lashed out over the term ‘Islam’ in the portfolio name, claiming its usage is exclusive to Muslims.

Previously, an interfaith committee mooted by the federal government last year also faced hurdles as Muslim groups protested the use of the term “interfaith” which it claims will confuse Muslims.