Malaysia Struggles to Settle Ethnic Dispute

(02 July 09 - RV) Malaysia's opposition alliance struggled to settle an ethnic dispute today after Muslim officials decided to demolish a pig slaughterhouse, angering their ethnic Chinese allies. The conflict underscores ideological differences that could undermine the three-party People's Alliance. We spoke with Fr. Lawrence Andrew, editor of the Catholic Herald in Malaysia, who said the tensions are exaggerated, and that there are some hopeful signs in the new government…