A multi-racial celebration at temple
MELAKA: It was a truly Malaysian affair when a Malay businessman helped to organise a National Day event at a centuryold Chinese temple here.
The idea was mooted by two key committee members of the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Tanjung Minyak.
Yong Kim Leong and Denny Long Wei Siong, together with social activist R. Thuraisamy, approached Shah’s Beach Resort CEO Shahrum Shah to join them in having a multiracial event to celebrate Merdeka.
On Tuesday night, resort manager Dennis Stamford, representing Shahrum, helped to organise the event at the grounds of the Taoist temple.
The resort, with the support of The Shore Oceanarium CEO Chew Chert Fong, spon sored flags and other decorations to make it a more meaningful affair.
Stamford also distributed cards in honour of those behind the event with their pictures and the words: “You are truly Malaysian.”
Melaka Agriculture, Entrepreneur Development and Agrobased committee chairman Norhizam Hassan Baktee, who was the guest of honour, said he was pleased to note Muslims, Christians and Hindus among the participants.
He commended the temple for its effort. “I am proud of the temple management for promoting patriotism by inviting Muslims and people of other faiths to be part of this celebration.”
He later released dozens of butterflies presented by the Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary in Ayer Keroh before fireworks were set off to mark the occasion.