Compiled by JUNAID IBRAHIM, CHOW HOW BAN and R. ARAVINTHAN

       LEADERS of various religious bodies broke fast together with the Muslim community at the Sultan Abdul Samad Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur recently to promote peace among different faiths.

       Sin Chew Daily quoted Global Peace Mission Malaysia president Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin as saying that the big turnout of religious leaders and groups for the Grand Iftar for Humanity event was the best way to counter any animosity that stir religious or racial tensions.

       “We’re friends, not enemies. We oppose such provocation.

       “The issue has gone through the legal process and the King of Malaysia has summoned the owner of the supermarket to meet His Majesty,” said Ahmad Fahmi, who is also the president of Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia.

       Vajrayana Buddhist Council of Malaysia president Chew Eng Ghee said he remained optimistic about a harmonious Malaysian society despite issues of late.

       Buddha’s Light International Association chief abbess for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia Venerable Jue Cheng said many people grew up in an environment without being conscious of the differences among them.

       StarPicks

       CelcomDigi launches all-in-one business postpaid plan

       “But as we grow older, we tend to be influenced by society and political factors that emphasise too much on racial and religious differences.

       “I hope we do not intentionally dwell on our differences. Why can’t we find common ground to live in harmony?” she asked.

       > Taiwanese singer Jay Chou and his wife Hannah Quinlivan have donated NT$5mil (RM738,000) to help those impacted by the April 3 earthquake in Hualien, Taiwan, China Press reported.

       Chou’s company, JVR Music, said the aid went to the National Dong Hua University and Chinese Christian Relief Association. Of the amount, NT$1mil (RM 147,539) is allocated for rebuilding the university campus.

       The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.