By V. Sivaji
The 204-year-old St George’s Church in Penang celebrated its declaration as a Pro-Cathedral with a carnival held at its premises.
Gracing the occasion was Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow accompanied by Puan Lim Hui Ying who is the Deputy Minister of Education.
Also present was the state assemblyman for Pulau Tikus Chris Lee, Penang Island City Council secretary and in-coming mayor Dato A. Rajendran along with Reverend Dr Stephen Abbarow, Reverend Dr Stephen Soe, Reverend Dato Seri Sebastian among others.
Several charitable were also received donations at the event, among them were the St Nicholas Home Penang, Rumah Victory Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Rumah Shalom Youth Hostel, The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, The Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang and Charis Hospice Penang.
Chow expressed his gratitude and honour to be present to witness the special occasion.
“Being built in 1819, the church is the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia and gazetted as a historical site in 1996.
“It was also named as one of Malaysia’s 50 National Heritage Treasures in 2007,” said Chow.
He added that despite the passage of time, the church continues to stand strong and vibrant not only serving parishioners but also working tirelessly with and for the community.
Chow also gave his commitment that the state government will continue its empowerment agendas and policies as well as the concept of Malaysia Madani under the administration of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
To this regard, the state government has allocated RM53 million this year.
