Bishop Emeritus now a Dato’

Dec 04, 2014

By Lucia Lai
Bishop Emeritus Antony Selvanayagam was conferred a Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carried the title Dato’, in conjunction with Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas’ 76th birthday, which was on July 12.

The investiture ceremony was held at Seri Mutiara, the residence of the Yang DiPertua Negeri, on November 16, 2014. It was graced by Penang Chief Minister, YAB Lim Guan Eng and several State Exco members. Bishop Emeritus Selvanayagam thanked the State government for the award and said that he was grateful that the State government appreciated his involvement in interreligious relations and ecumenism.

Bishop Emeritus Selvanayagam had been president of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) and was the first national president of Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM).

People of other faiths know him well, and being in MCCBCHST and CFM, he had constant contact with the government.

He said it is important for us to get to know people of other faiths to foster a harmonious relationship, and also to be in touch with the government for mutual understanding and support.