MCA urges calm after religious quarrels

MCA has urged the public to remain level-headed following a series of religiously sensitive controversies over the past few weeks.

"We should not allow our emotions to get the better of us but instead learn from these experiences," said MCA central committee member Loh Seng Kok.

Loh urged Malaysians to advocate tolerance that would help towards peace and stability.

"The issue of religion is often a sensitive one which can constantly backfire if misinterpreted, thus making things much worse," he said.

Muslim groups have expressed unhappiness with news reports on a group of Buddhists from Singapore who had used a surau for meditation purposes.

In July, a school, SK Seri Pristana, was accused of making non-Muslims children eat in shower rooms during the fasting month.

Earlier that month, bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee had posted a picture of Bak Kut Teh, a pork dish, as a Hari Raya greeting.

Loh said these events was a test of the patience and fortitude of a multiracial society and urged mediation to resolve differences. 

"As Malaysians, we are all living together in harmony in the same boat, and this is something we should be proud of.

"However, should someone start rocking this boat, the harmony which we have can be rapidly destroyed causing our boat to sink," he said.

He also urged the government to take stern action against perpetrators who were out to cause religious conflict.