GEORGE TOWN, April 13 — The concept of open houses is described as a vehicle for uniting people of multiple races and strengthening unity towards creating a harmonious society.

Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow said all citizens must stand united because it is one of the important foundations in ensuring that every agenda planned by the government to develop this country can be achieved.

"We need to take note that what is happening in the country at the moment requires a spirit of unity, a spirit of togetherness with the unity government at the federal level in order to lead our country in the direction of economic recovery, in addition to taking care of the welfare of the people.

"Besides that, we also need to have a sense of belonging because otherwise, even though (Malaysia) has become a developed country, it will be meaningless if there is division and chaos between the races,” he said at the Penang DAP Aidilfitri Open House at SJK(C) Shang Wu today.

Also present were national DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng and Penang DAP secretary Lim Hui Ying, who is also Deputy Finance Minister.

Chow, who is also the Penang Chief Minister, also hopes that the plurality of communities in the state can be used as an example of how development can be achieved if people of various races live in an atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

Earlier, more than 1,000 people of various races and religions attended the open house and were treated to a feast of various dishes. — Bernama