The Star: Fasting to promote peace

Tuesday September 15, 2009

Fasting to promote peace

By FAZLEENA AZIZ

IN THE true spirit of Malaysia, the Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia event will be held tomorrow to commemorate the country’s formation and promote peace among all.

The event is organised by a group of individuals who call themselves the Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia core group.

Doing it for Malaysia: Some of the participants at the launch of ‘Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia’ event.

The nationwide call for peace has garnered the support of more than 300 people, including some prominent ones like Datuk Paduka Marina Mahathir, Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera, celebrity chef Chef Wan, TV personality and emcee Mahadzir Lokman, and former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.

According to Revd Sivin Kit, a member of the core group, the idea came about when a few friends were talking about recent events in the country.

He said Malaysia was a peaceful country and should remain that way.

Every one, regardless of creed, status in society and location, can join in the fast, in solidarity and determination for peace.

“There should not be acts of violence and acts that incite hatred among the people.

“There have been too much injustice and acts of cruelty in the country.

“We wanted to combine our efforts and present a meaningful gift to Malaysia so there is peace in the blessed land,” he said at the launch of the event at the Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur.

He also said people could join in the sahur at 5am in Lotus Restaurant in Petaling Jaya’s New Town Centre (the former State cinema).

As for buka puasa, only one venue – Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia at 66, Lorong Setiabistari 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur – has been confirmed.

The event would create positive energy for the country, Ven. Dhammaratana said in his speech.

According to him, every one coming together will bring about peace and harmony during this fasting month.

Meanwhile, Marina said the event would help to reclaim the true meaning of the month of Ramadan, which was about calmness and peace.

“We should reclaim the real spirit of Malaysia and bring back the times of calm and tranquillity,” she said.

Ambiga said there was much injustice in the country, which was unacceptable, and it was important to show abhorrence for such injustice.

“Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results.

“We, as citizens, must show our support for peace,” she said.

Others present at the launch were Miss Malaysia 2007 Deborah Henry, Council of Churches of Malaysia general secretary Revd Dr Hermen Shastri, Ivy Josiah from Women’s Aid Organisation, Maria Chin Abdullah from Empower, Zainah Anwar from Sisters in Islam, artistes Reshmonu, Saran, Altimet, DJ Roshan from Mix FM, TV programme 3R co-host Rafidah Abdullah and Anas Zubedy.

Those who are interested in taking part in the event are encouraged to do the following:

·E-mail pledge to fast to peace4malaysia09@gmail.com, or SMS to 016-970 7966;

·Get a group of at least three people and have your sahur together;

·Wear a hibiscus flower or carry a twig throughout the day to represent participation;

·Break fast together; and

·Share your experience, feelings and thoughts via the blog to compile pictures, reflection and stories.

For more information on the event, log on to http://peace4msia.blogspot.com/ or check out the event on Facebook.