PENANG: Dressed in dark-colored clothes, a Muslim restaurant owner brings his workers to pay last respect to his Chinese friend at a Catholic church in Sungai Ara.

To Ahmad Basri, 56, his 44-year friendship with Yu Gui Fang, a tire shop worker, transcends race and religion.

Ahmad knows Yu, who has died of heart attack, in secondary school and this is not his first time attending a non-Muslim funeral.

Ahmad told Sin Chew Daily he hoped his action would promote mutual respect among Malaysians of different faiths and races to strengthen national unity.

“I once attended a Taoist funeral with my workers. Some asked whether a Muslim could do so,” he said.

Fortunately, his workers were willing to attend the funeral with him and even joined the deceased’s family to fold paper products meant for prayers.

Ahmad has reminded his workers to dress in a proper manner while attending the funeral or paying last respect.