Skip to main content

Press Statement by Teng on Utusan's Front Page News "Malaysia Negara Kristian?"

Teng: Stop it

Press Statement by Gerakan vice-president and Penang Gerakan State Chairman
Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan


May 09, 2011


Gerakan vice-president Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan has urged all media including newspapers to stop speculating and exploiting on issue of religion that can stoke tension.

Dr Teng also urged the police, especially the Special Branch, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into a report by Utusan Malaysia and two bloggers which claimed that a meeting had taken place in Penang, attended by Christian leaders who want Christianity to be the official religion in Malaysia.

ā€œIf there was no basis to the reports, appropriate serious action according to the laws of our country should be taken against Utusan Malaysia and the two bloggers. Similarly, appropriate serious action should also be taken against those who flout the law if there was a basis to the reports,ā€ said Dr Teng in a press statement.

Dr Teng, who is also Penang Gerakan chief, said Utusan Malaysia is perceived as an Umno mouthpiece and thus the newspaper should be more responsible, matured and professional in its reporting.

ā€œThe newspaper will be seen to be helping to spread a rumour without prior verification and this is incorrect and dangerous. Such rumour can have detrimental effects on the peace and harmony of our nation,ā€ he said.

Dr Teng said Utusan Malaysia should have approached the authorities concerned to take early action to nip ā€œthe problemā€ in the bud, instead of highlighting the matter and raising the sentiments of its readers.

ā€œSuch sensitive and negative reports can be exploited by any party, within and outside of Malaysia for their vested interest, to destroy the foundation of Malaysia’s nation-building,ā€ he added.

Popular posts from this blog

Hello Kitty proves action speaks louder than words

Hello Kitty proves action speaks louder than words Hello Kitty does not have a mouth. She speaks with her heart. Worldwide novelty ā€˜Hello Kitty’ had Singaporeans queuing up and tussling over a limited edition toy kitten dressed in skeleton outfit from a German fairy tale known as ā€˜The Singing Bones’. McDonald’s Singapore sold the toy, as the last in a series of six, which began early June. The last frenzy was Hello Kitty dressed in wedding attire in 2000. Despite having stocked up on 40% more on collectible Hello Kitty toys this year and limiting each customer to only 4 toys each, McDonald’s claim that the response for the Fairy Tale series had been overwhelming. The fast-food chain announced last Thursday that the iconic toy had been sold out, much to the disappointment and frustration of many enthusiastic collectors who braved the haze in an attempt to get their hands on the plush toy. Singapore wasn't the only country bogged by this phenomenon. Malaysia a...

Teng: It's not a scam

Press Statement by Penang Gerakan State Chairman Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan May 11, 2011 Penang Gerakan chief Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan pointed out today that the then State Exco did not at all offer compensation of RM1.8mil to Tang Hak Ju as compensation over a land case in Bukit Mertajam in 2004. ā€œIn fact, it was Tang who had demanded the sum from the previous state government. The State Exco decided that the amount he wanted should be justified with supporting documents including receipts on the amount of money he had spent in relation to the case. The decision was conveyed to Tang who could not produce the documents and did not come back to us. He then went to Court to seek redress,ā€ said Dr Teng in a statement. Dr Teng, who was then a State Exco member, said the matter was clearly stated in the White Paper which was tabled at the State Assembly yesterday. ā€œAccording to the White Paper, it was a technical mistake and negligence on the part of two government officers and there...

Greatech supports talent development throughout society

*This was first published in Penang Monthly's January 2025 edition.   While most corporations focus on the environment or social welfare as part of their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, Greatech Technology is interested in instilling and strengthening the culture of reading, not only among its employees, but also in society in general. Greatech, a local automation solutions provider and this year’s main sponsor for the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF), inculcates a love for reading among its employees in order to enhance creativity and innovation. The company has a dedicated reading corner for its employees! Unsurprisingly, Greatech’s group CEO Tan Eng Kee is an avid reader himself, especially of books that focus on leadership, innovation and personal development: ā€œBooks as well as arts and cultural activities inspire people to think creatively, which ultimately spark ideas and drive innovation in all sectors, including ours.ā€  *George Town Litera...