UNITY THE CORE TO SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING, SAYS PENANG CM

PENANG, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The practice of visiting one another, which has become a tradition of the country's multiracial society, can foster closer relations among the people and enhance the spirit of unity, the essence of social understanding, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Tuesday.

This was in keeping with Islam as a universal religion because the Islamic
way of life was comprehensive and encompassed all aspects -- economically,
socially and politically," he said in his Aidilfitri message.

Lim said that the diversity of religion, customs and language was not a
hindrance to progress.

"It is this diversity that enables Malaysia to be a developed nation,
(and) the people to maintain the country's peace and political stability
despite facing global constraints and the world economic crisis," he
added.

In Kuala Lumpur, Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka
Chuan said that unity, built through the festivities of various races, was like
a house built on stilts which would not collapse easily even when hit by strong
winds.

"Each and everyone of us are the stilts that uphold the peace and
prosperity of this beloved country," he added.

In Kuching, Sarawak Ruler Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin
Abang Barieng, in his Aidilfitri message, said the people of other races were
encouraged to visit open houses hosted by Muslims to foster relations and build
friensdhips.

Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and family will host Aidilfitri openhouse for
state dignitaries and VIPs on the first day of Hari Raya and on the second day
when it would be opened to department heads and the public at the Astana Negeri
banquet hall in Petra Jaya from 10am to 1pm.

In Kota Kinabalu, Chief Minister Musa Aman called on the people
to remain united and steadfast to ensure smooth implementation of development
programmes in Sabah.

"I believe with continued hard work and cooperation, there will be more
progress in the coming year, he said.

On Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Musa said it served as a special
occassion for reconciliation and forgiveness among family members and
friends.

It a festivity to be shared with friends from different religions and
races, he added.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud urged the
people to learn from the current world economic situation and to maintain racial
unity to ensure Malaysia continued to progress.

"This is my advice on this Hari Raya so that we will be cautious and not be
swayed by outside influences because the western economic financial situation
now is in a very bad state," he said in his Aidilfitri message.

Taib's Aidilfitri open house is on the first and second day of Hari Raya at
the Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya.

In KUALA LUMPUR, MCA president Ong Ka Ting called on all
MalaysianS to adopt a caring and loving approach for the betterment of the
country.

As a multiracial society, they should continue efforts to maintain the
harmony, progress and peace in the country, he said in his Hari Raya
message.

He said that through moderate approach and mutual respect, people of
different backgrounds and communities would be able to work together for the
benefit of all Malaysians.