Whether the lights on the Grace Residence’s façade in Penang were intended to be in the shape of a cross is unclear.
It is also not clear whether it was an unconscious act, done without realising the consequences of such an act in a society where certain sections get worked up over incidents and events of a racial or religious nature.
I am not saying that it was a deliberate act on the part of the developer.
PAS has gone berserk on the display saying the developer has strong evangelical leanings and that had emboldened the developer to display the lighting in the shape of a cross.
Such reactions coming from PAS or from Umno are not surprising because, having failed politically, they are ready to clutch at any straw to stir up racial and religious feelings in the country.
Their incendiary remarks have nothing to do with religion but all to do with their narrow sectarian politics.
Even if the developer had not really intended to provide an image of the cross, surely it would have crossed their mind that such an image or display is not something necessary in a country like Malaysia where ethnic and religious relations have been considerably strained over the past decade or so.
Why invite trouble by putting on display something that just might be used to provoke anger or concern?
Developers in Penang must have some ethical and social responsibilities.
If it is a religious place, say if it is a church compound, putting up or giving it a magnificent display is something acceptable in the country. However, if religious symbols are displayed in areas not designated for religious purposes then there could be a problem.
In the case of the apartment building in Penang, chances are high that owners of the apartments could be Chinese, Malays and Indians.
Do not give an excuse for troublemakers to make a political issue out of something of no serious concern to Malaysians. Too much time is wasted in debating or arguing about matters that are very pernicious and disintegrative in nature.
P Ramasamy is Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang.
The views expressed by the writer do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.