With special thanks to Joel Gurprit Singh and friends for these beautiful pictures. We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Merdeka Review: 斋戒一天为国家祈福铭记建国日拒绝暴力
斋戒一天为国家祈福, 铭记建国日拒绝暴力
作者／本刊记者 Sep 16, 2009 11:37:55 am
【本刊记者撰述】今天是马来西亚日， 七十名“为国家祈福，为和平斋戒”（Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia 2009）活动的发起人和参与者今天清晨五时聚集用餐，正式开始一天的斋戒活动，以行动尊重马来西亚多元文化，拒绝暴力，为国家祈福。
清晨五时，七十名发起和参加“为国家祈福，为和平斋戒”（Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia 2009）活动的不同种族马来西亚子民，聚集在八打灵再也戏院旁边的莲花茶餐厅用餐，为一天的斋戒活动拉开序幕。
这六十名参与者先用餐，然后一同唱国歌。较后，发起人之一基督教牧师郭晓鸣发表简短的致辞，为此活动拉开序幕。
郭晓鸣在致辞中感激大家参与此活动，并强调此活动的宗旨是铭记马来西亚日，为国家和平祈福。同时，参与者必须在今天做一件好事，以拒绝暴力，因为仁慈是和平的根本。
接着，纳吉前特别官员（special officer）的奥玛慕斯达法王（Omar Mustapha Ong）的父亲慕斯达化王自动请缨发言，他提及1969年的五一三事件，并表示支持首相纳吉的“一个马来西亚”。
政治学者黄进发随后发言时强调，必须让和平赋权，而不是让和平伴随着恐惧。而且，今天大家参与斋戒是为了重新掌握国家的拥有权。
较后，郭晓鸣做出总结，大家为马来西亚干杯，并在餐厅内高唱国歌。
其中，玛丽娜马哈迪（Marina Mahathir）、回教姐妹组织活动经理玛斯嘉丽莎（Masjalizah）、雪州大臣办公室研究员杨淑雯、妇女辅助会（Women’s Aid Organisation）执行董事艾薇卓西亚（Ivy Josiah）、马来西亚律师公会人权小组主席邱进福、前律师公会主席安碧嘉（Ambiga Sreenavasan）等人都出席了今早的聚餐。
郭晓鸣也告诉《独立新闻在线》，他们将在今晚10时半于孟沙共进夜宵，为一天的活动画上美丽的句点。
Malaysiakini (Chinese): 配合916大马日为国家祈福数百各族人民黎明开始斋戒
配合916大马日为国家祈福
数百各族人民黎明开始斋戒
王德齐
9月16日
上午 10点21分
配合今天9月16日大马日，数百名来自不同族群和宗教的马来西亚人，参与别开生面的“2009年为国家斋戒，要大马和平”一天斋戒活动，为国家祈福。
这批大马人已经遵循回教徒同胞的斋戒月习俗，从黎明时分开始斋戒，并且会一直坚持到傍晚日落后才会恢复进食。
约60人黎明共进斋戒前早餐 
他们都是社会运动活跃分子，或是通过电邮或社交网站知悉这项活动的网民，当中大多数人更是非穆斯林和年轻人，也有一些人士更是携带孩子一起来参与。
他们在用餐后一起高唱国歌来庆祝大马日，然后就正式开始一天的斋戒，以实际行动为国家祈求和平及祝福，并表明拒绝任何暴力和煽动仇恨行径。
郭晓鸣：反对暴力煽动仇恨 
“我想许多人看到最近的新闻都会感到很压力，包括近期的牛头示威以及去年在一些场合发生的种族主义煽动言论。”
“我们就想我们是不是能做一些事情，做一些全部人都能参与的东西，因此才会出现9月16日要求大家一起斋戒的念头。”
他指出，不仅穆斯林，其他宗教都有斋戒的习俗，况且一些人士也会因为本身的诉求而进行斋戒，因此这是一项全民都能参与的活动。
“因为斋戒，我们整天都会感到饥饿，而我们是为了和平、真相、权力和正义而饥饿。因此，我们希望最终能打开和平的空间。”
保守估计逾800人响应号召 
他指出，参与者将在今日傍晚7点25分结束一天的斋戒，而他们也在今晚10点30分於吉隆坡孟沙一间餐馆，举行正式的闭幕仪式。
其他参与者在受询时皆表示，他们想以不同的方式来庆祝大马日，并赞同这项活动将能有助于团结各族人民。
玛丽娜就称赞说，在大马日和斋戒月的精神下，这是一项很好的活动，因为他们可以通过斋戒的举动，轻易地团结所有人民，并驱逐所有的暴力和仇恨。
她笑称，“大马人一向来都是因为食物而团结，但我们今天是因为缺乏食物而团结。”
参与者批牛头示威煽动仇恨
现年30岁的凯文罗汉（Kevin Rohan Thomas）则指出，他并不是纯粹是为了斋戒而参与这项活动，相反的他想做一些不同的东西来庆祝大马日。
他感慨表示，各族人民目前因为一些分歧而出现裂痕，并指牛头示威这类刻意煽动种族仇恨的政治活动，无疑会扩大这个裂痕。
“我认为，我们不应该是摒弃彼此的差异，反而应该接受这些差异。我相信全体人民是团结的，尽管我们不是完全一样。”
现年26岁的网民亿佳也赞同说，她并不认为所有的穆斯林都与牛头示威者一样，并指这些人是旨在煽动种族情绪，幸亏各族人民都没有掉入他们的圈套。
曾经经历513种族冲突事件和马印冲突的慕斯达法王则表示，他赞同首相纳吉提出“一个大马”概念，并希望我国不会再发生任何流血事件。
831还是916应该成为国庆日？
此外，一些民众也对我国的民主现况感到不满，并认为国民应该趁着大马日之际作出表态。
现年42岁的黄国良就指出，随着国阵在霹雳州策动民联议员跳槽及夺取政权后，民主也已经倒下。
“我认为我们多数人应该穿上黑衣，以恢复我国的民主制度。”
来自吉隆坡的他也认为，我国应该庆祝在今天庆祝国庆日，而非8月31日，因为9月16日才是真正的大马成立的日子。
不过，玛丽娜则持有相反的意见，并认为这两天都一样重要。唯她也赞同，9月16日应该获得更大的重视，我国或许可以考虑在这两个日期之间一连庆祝16天。
Email Reports
A big applause to the organisers. I enjoy every minute of the fasting although I was quite sceptical at first. Great to know how our Muslims friends or colleagues fast too.
PEACE to all Malaysian and the World at large. ~ See Kim Wah
* * *
"Two friends from the Bahai faith joined us for Sahur Fast for the Nation on 16 Sept 2009 at Pelita Rest, Desa Sri Hartamas. ~ Sharifah Zuriah (photo by Yati Kaprawi)
* * *
A small group of us met at the Canteen, Malaysia Hall in Bayswater this evening to share the cause with our fellow Malaysians back home. ~ Steven Lee.
* * *
"Fasted 24 hrs. First 12 hrs without anything, next 12 hrs without solid food. - Tan Jien Seng
* * *
Sorry the picture is not clear. But I'm happy that we did it. Especially Daphne Iking. With her busy schedule and a full day theatre rehearsal she managed to fast. I'm so proud of her. It's the least we can do for our beloved country.
Thanks for encouraging us to be a part of this.
Love,
Mas & Daphne
* * *
"They (non-Muslim staff) actually thanked me for persuading them to sign up! Except for 20+ yr. old C who was so weak with hunger by 5pm, she could hardly talk, much less sell ... am not planning to tell my boss about this! ~ Can’t Reveal Name in case Boss finds out!
* * *
This year, just like any other year, we celebrate Hari Malaysia together with our client but this year with a twist. We have asked our entire client that coming to our office including our staff to fast for the day in conjunction with the fast of the nation celebration. Attached is a couple of picture for the fast of the nation collection.
Thank you,
Anas Zubedy
%5B3%5D.jpg "1 (7)")
%5B3%5D.jpg "1 (10)")
%5B3%5D.jpg "1 (13)")
%5B3%5D.jpg "1 (18)")
Peace4Msia: The Experience
Peace4Msia: The Experience
After the recent hoo-ha of the cow head protest and the sheer helplessness I felt, it was a relief to hear that I was not alone. There’s something about civil society in Malaysia that gives me hope that my country is not as bigoted or narrow-minded as the politicians make her out to be.
It’s initiatives like Peace4Msia, Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia, Rescue the Pulau Ketam Dogs, and so many others that make me feel proud to be a Malaysian. It’s people like Haris Ibrahim (who I’ve never met), TVSmith, Regina (founder of the Pixel Project), the IRC gang and the Comic Fiesta Committee, Marina Mahathir, my godfather, Anthony Pinto, and countless others who make me proud to be alive in this country.
Fasting yesterday was an eye-opener for me. Like I’ve said before, I’ve never done a full fast, so I was rather surprised by the results. I didn’t really feel the hunger pangs (by this I mean the sharp, stabbing pains I get when I skip breakfast) at any time yesterday. I didn’t really feel thirsty either which was a blessing when my colleagues made coffee (I did not advertise to them that I was fasting till it was nearing lunch time. See: My Twitter 
Instead, most of the time I went about my business as I did usually (except lunch; I stayed in the office playing Scribblenauts till Jerry asked for my Sachiko to try the game for himself). This included acting a bit over the top (my colleagues will tell you this is nothing unusual) and shooting at people with Marauderz’s nerf gun.
It was only later in the day that I started feeling sluggish. By later I meant around 6pm onwards, when I was eagerly counting down to the end of the fast with NikiCheong on Twitter. I couldn’t wait till 7.14pm came around, and at 7pm, Grayfox and me went downstairs to search for food. When we went back to the office, I was happy to realise it was already 7.15pm and bit into my chicken sausage bun (sorry couldn’t go vegetarian).
I didn’t have heavenly bells and what not ringing when I bit into the bun. Instead, I simply recognised the food for what it was. Sustenance. And then I went home to have dinner with my family.
That night, I slept early, slightly worried that I didn’t manage to do a kind deed as Peace4Msia suggested. While chatting with a few friends, something the good Reverend Sivin Kit said suddenly clicked in me, which led to this entry. Before I slept, I said a prayer for my country, thanking the Father for the blessings he’s showered, and that today went off so peacefully.
Erna said that being kind wasn’t always synonymous with being nice, and I agree with her. Sometimes you have to be cruel, to be kind, they say. Fasting, in a way, is an embodiment of that. You starve your body to clear the mind.
It’s like living in Malaysia, really. Only when you step out of the ugliness and the hate and the prejudice can you accept Malaysia in all her imperfection. We’ll always have arguments, we’ll always have disagreements, but if we can’t agree to disagree, doesn’t it benefits only our detractors?
When one family member backstabs another and considers themselves holier than the others, then we have a recipe for disaster.*
*This isn’t just for Malaysia, but also mine.
Happy Hari Malaysia.
Posted on 17 September '09 by Naoko Kensaku, under Civicness, Musings.
The Star: Malaysians come together to fast for peace
Thursday September 17, 2009
Malaysians come together to fast for peace
By FAZLEENA AZIZ
SPIRITS were high as some 50 people from all walks of life gathered for sahur at the Lotus Restaurant, Petaling Jaya, before the Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia event.
The event was held to commemorate the country’s formation on Sept 16 and to promote peace among all.
The event saw notable Malaysians like Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, TV personality and emcee Datuk Mahadzir Lokman and Ivy Josiah from Women’s Aid Organisation coming together in support of peace.
According to Rev Sivin Kit, a member of the core group, more than 800 people took part in the event.
He hoped that this would be the beginning of more acts of kindness that would promote a desire for peace among all.
“It is encouraging to see these people here together for a cause and there may be many more doing it that we are not aware of.
“The event will help people remember the hunger for peace and justice during the fasting period.
“We want people to show restraint, have self control and reject violence,” he said.
He added that everyone would be able to feel empowered by the wave of peace-loving Malaysians.
For Marina, the event marked a day to reclaim the true meaning of Malaysia, which was peaceful and harmonious.
She said that Malaysians should not let a few people define Malaysia in a negative way.
“This coming together is what our country is all about. I am encouraged by the response, especially from the non-Muslims, who also want to fast during Ramadan,” she said.
Freelancer Smita Sharma, 24, from Bangsar, said the event was a great way to push back dirty political movements.
She said that the significance of Sept 16 should be seen as a celebration of citizenship.
“I have fasted before and should have no problem fasting today for this cause. I think this is a powerful idea for people coming together,” Sharma said.
Digital media specialist Michelle Ding, 25, from PJ, came to know about the event via the Internet and said it was a really good start.
“It is not a big task to fast because a lot of people do it and it is great to come together for sahur with the rest of Malaysia.
“In the true spirit of Malaysia, I am having my nasi lemak and teh tarik and I am proud to be Malaysian, especially today,” she said.
The buka puasa event was held at Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia at 66, Lorong Setiabistari 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, followed by a supper programme at Chawan in Bangsar.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
‘Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia; even from Tasmania'
Thursday September 17, 2009
‘Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia; even from Tasmania'
By Jason Lee
Hobart: Waking up at the wee hours of a cool Wednesday morning, a group of the University of Tasmania students from Malaysia got out their beds into the freezing Tasmanian morning and met in the residential college’s dining hall to meet to fast. Yes, to fast.
According to news portal TheStar Online, the event was held to commemorate the country’s formation on Sept 16 and to promote peace among all. The initiative was shaped by Sivin Kit and his core group with the theme, ‘Fast for the Nation. Peace for Malaysia’.
Law student Jason Lee stumbled across this movement when he was invited to this ‘event’ over Facebook and jumped on the idea, making calls, convincing his Malaysian friends to wake up at 430am and come for fellowship and food for the ‘Sahur’.
(Pre-fast meal together at John Fisher College)
The pre-fast meal started with bananas, toasted bread and dates along with a full glass of water and good fellowship. First year medical student Wan Danial quipped that it was the “most fun ‘Sahur’ he had” as he shared how Muslims fast throughout the day and we learned interesting facts like how dates were Prophet Muhammad’s favourite food.
During the fasting period, participants were encouraged to carry their daily duties and tasks as usual and smile and do an extra act of kindness to people around you or afar, amongst other things according to peace4msia.blogspot.com.
A pizza party was the ‘buka puasa’ (breaking of fast) of the day and with eye staring hungrily, the group feasted on the take away pizzas and shared about their experience during their fast.
Jeanne sharing about Malaysia's birthday during her international law presentation. (30% of assessment!)
Jeanne Loh, a born and bred Ipoh lass, in her international law class during the afternoon eloquently presented her thesis regarding women’s rights and its difference between Australia and Malaysia. Before ending her presentation, she mentioned that she felt she has a responsibility to address issues dealing with women’s rights in Malaysia alongside that today is Malaysia’s birthday and she is fasting for her nation.
“We all love Malaysia”, she added.
Of the two Singaporeans who joined in the fast, Valerie Tan mentioned that “Peace will be good in Malaysia”
Besides these Malaysians, there were more than 800 pledges from individuals and support groups to fast for the nation on Malaysia day. Various personalities supported the cause from former Bar Council president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir to the beloved Chef Wan and Miss Malaysia 2007 Deborah Henry.
“Fasting from abroad was a way of showing our solidarity in supporting Malaysians who love Malaysia. We need not just celebrities to endorse events like these but every average Ahmad, Ah Kau and Arumugam like me and you to participate in a day like this! We are fasting all the way from Australia and glad to be part of a bigger picture!” said Jason Lee.
'(Semangat Muhibbah' - Racial Harmony)
“We even had a Malay, Chinese and Indian represented during our fast in the name of ‘Muhibbah’ (Racial Harmony)”, he said.
There are a sizeable number of Malaysians studying in Australia and despite the recent financial crisis and the rising exchange rate, the numbers have been nevertheless increasing. Many have since settled down or applied for their PR (permanent residency) in hope of ‘greener pastures’ leading to the contentious issue of brain drain in Malaysia.
During the 'Buka Puasa' at the University Apartments.
Organisers and supporters from Malaysia
Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia: The "F.A.R.T. Productions" Remix
The Star: It’s time for us to chill
Wednesday September 16, 2009
It’s time for us to chill
By MARINA MAHATHIR
WHEN I was little I remember there being a Malaysia Day. I don’t remember what the date was, but now I realise that it must have been Sept 16. But at the time I remember the word “Malaysia” was somewhat a novelty, but an exciting one nevertheless.
I don’t know how it came to be that Malaysia Day disappeared from our consciousness. To be more correct, it has disappeared from the consciousness of those of us Malaysians in the peninsula.
It has only been because of the insistent reminders from our fellow citizens in Sabah and Sarawak recently that we have become conscious of the fact that today is the anniversary of the formation of Malaysia.
As important as Aug 31 is as the day that Malaya became independent, surely the day that we became the modern nation of Malaysia is equally important. We are after all Malaysians, not just Malayans.
So it is fitting that some of us have decided to make this year’s Malaysia Day an extra special one.
After what has seemed like a very bad-tempered stretch of several months when everyone’s emotions have been strung out with one incident after another, a group of individuals decided that enough is enough and that something needed to be done.
But instead of doing something that would only heighten emotions, they decided to do something to underscore the need for reflection, restraint and calmness.
They decided to reject the hatred and injustices of recent months and reclaim our country for the peaceful place that it is.
That was how the idea for the Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia initiative began. As with all good ideas, it is striking in its simplicity. What everyone joining the initiative is doing today is to fast from dawn to dusk.
This is not just to show solidarity with the Muslim citizens of the country but to do something simple together as a way of showing unity.
If there is one thing that brings Malaysians together, it is food. So early this morning, several Malaysians of all races got together to have their pre-dawn meal, the sahur.
In the spirit of inclusiveness, so that there is no barrier to anyone’s participation, the meal was vegetarian. People who would never normally get up so early to eat did so just to join their Muslim friends.
Then in the evening, they will get together again to break the fast. From the very onset of the idea, as is typical of Malaysians, friends have been discussing what they would eat to break their fast.
But they are determined to do it together, with their neighbours, workmates and friends, regardless of race or religion. The citizens who break fast together stay together.
In addition, this initiative calls for participants to do something kind to someone during the day. At heart is the idea that if you do something nice for someone, you will get the same in return at some point.
After months of an environment where retribution seemed to be the order of the day, it was time to reverse that by consciously doing something good.
It could be as simple as offering to babysit, shop for a house-bound neighbour or help someone at work or something more complicated, as long as it’s an act of kindness.
When the project was launched last week, the first 50 people to sign on all said the same thing: the hate and violence exhibited by some people recently are not typical of Malaysians.
We do not solve things through anger and recrimination. Nor do we allow anyone to exploit our differences and divide us.
While our strength is our diversity – and that diversity should always be respected – our national project ever since Sept 16, 1963, so to speak, is to unite.
So Fast for the Nation is exactly what we need.
It is a community-driven grassroots initiative, one not tainted by politics and with genuinely sincere objectives.
Basically it upholds the basic Ramadan thrust of restraint and calmness. In other words, we’re saying it’s time to chill.
Initiatives like this should not be confined to one day a year only.
We can easily think up many similar ideas. Already there have been groups of Muslims going to visit Hindu temples, or inviting non-Muslims to break the fast with them at suraus.
We need to reach out to each other more in natural ways, not at glitzy manufactured events.
Most of all, we need to show that hate is an emotion that is alien to the ordinary Malay-sian.
When we have seen people from all sides behave in the most debased manner, we have to rise above them. And show them what Malaysia is really about.
Happy Birthday Malaysia!
KLue: Happy Birthday, Negaraku: How to celebrate Malaysia Day
Happy Birthday, Negaraku: How to celebrate Malaysia Day
Wednesday, 16/09/09 - 16:44PM Filed in Blog by zedeck | Views: 470 | Comments: 4
Tags: kl, kuala lumpur, malaysia, Malaysia Day
Let's engage in some mental time travel. Go back one year, exactly: it's 16 September 2008. By that point, everyone knew that Opposition Leader Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim's promised fall of the status quo would not happen. A feeling of tense imminence prevailed, nevertheless.
Ahem. You don't remember any of that, do you? Don't worry. Few Malaysians do.
Why did Anwar choose this particular date? Time machine go! It is now 16 September 1963. The people of North Borneo and Brooke's Sarawak, having negotiated over terms, had finally acceded to their inclusion into nationhood with Malaya and Singapore.
It was on this date - and not 31 August 1957 - that the Malaysian federation was born.
We on the peninsula are prone to forget this detail. No wonder: we celebrate Merdeka with great fanfare - but Malaysia Day is not even a public holiday. Needless to say, there are no official celebrations of 16 September in KL, today. (There's a forum in Selangor.) The Klang Valley editions of English-language dailies The Star and New Straits Times don't even mention Malaysia Day anywhere on their front pages.
(Instead, they announce Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Razak's decision to spend an annual USD40,000,000 for a 1Malaysia F1 team.)
Officially, we disregard the inclusion of a majority of Malaysia's landmass. No wonder East Malaysians identify themselves by state first and nationality second; we treat Sabah and Sarawak like colonies.
So what are Malaysians doing to commemorate the birthday of our nation? Representatives from women's NGOs and Opposition parties are holding a demonstration in Putrajaya, according to a tweet by Selangor assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong. They protest the ongoing inaction with regards to the year-old issue of sexual abuse of Penan women in Sarawak. No other issue better symbolises the federal government's neglect of its further-flung territories.
Elsewhere is Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia 2009. If you believe that acts of violence and racial or religious hatred - like the cow-head protest in Shah Alam - have no place in Malaysian public life, this is something you can believe in. Fasting is spiritually significant - look at Ramadhan - and also a supremely powerful political act: it was one of Gandhi's chief strategies, and he brought down the British Raj.
Perhaps abstinence and contemplation is the best thing to do. With or without a drink in hand: a toast to Malaysia's 46th. Remember that our nation was formed around the idea of multiculturalism, equity, and hope of collectively forging our own destiny.
To not forgetting.
The Nut Graph: Chef Wan and friends fast for diverse Malaysia
Chef Wan and friends fast for diverse Malaysia
15 Sep 09 : 8.00AM
By Shanon Shah
shanonshah@thenutgraph.com
Updated on 15 Sept 2009 at 10am
PETALING JAYA, 15 Sept 2009: A beloved chef, a renowned compere and a respected entrepreneur are but only a few of the notable Malay Malaysians reclaiming the meaning of multicultural Malaysia come Malaysia Day tomorrow.
"Malaysia has become a very scary country. Why can't we just love people for what they are, regardless of the colour of their skin? Have we not learnt from the experiences of Rwanda, Bosnia and the Holocaust?" Chef Wan told The Nut Graph in telephone interview.
Chef Wan (Pic by Roland Tanglao @ Flickr)
"Malaysians have to learn to respect each other. Those [Malay Malaysians] who want to hurt Indian and Chinese [Malaysians], they should ask themselves this. If we cubit ourselves, do we not hurt? Then why do we want to pinch them? This logic should also apply vice-versa," he said.
In the light of the protests threatening violence over the relocation of a Hindu temple in Shah Alam, and in order to take part in an inclusive gesture to uphold what Malaysia means, Chef Wan will be participating in the Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia event on 16 Sept.
Other Malaysian personalities who are also participating include activist, blogger and The Nut Graph columnist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, compere Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, entrepreneur Anas Zubedy, and popular artistes Reshmonu, Rafidah Abdullah of Gol & Gincu and 3R fame, and DJ Roshan from Mix FM.
Responding to communalism
The inclusive fast was triggered by the recent protest in Shah Alam, in which a group of Malay-Muslim Malaysians opposed the relocation of a Hindu temple and dragged around a severed cow's head.
According to Anas: "When a certain group of people offends another group of people, I always feel it is important for other members of the 'offensive group' to come forward and say that it is unacceptable. In this case, the offending group consisted of Malay Muslims."
He said that this is why he, as a Malay-Muslim Malaysian, has spoken up about the cow-head protests, and why he is involved in the inclusive fast.
In a telephone interview with The Nut Graph, Anas also explained that his company, zubedy (m) sdn bhd, already has a tradition of holding at least one multifaith "puasa day" every year.
"On this day, everyone at zubedy will fast and berbuka together. We can fast in any way — the Buddhist way, the Muslim way, or some people forego food but not water. The point is we do it in solidarity with each other," he said.
Anas is also known for taking out a full one-page ad on behalf of his company on 16 Sept every year to commemorate Malaysia Day.
"This year, seeing that Malaysia Day falls during Ramadan, we decided to do a joint Malaysia Day and 'puasa day' celebration, and this was even before I learnt about Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia," he explained.
Walking the talk
However, Anas said those participating in the inclusive fast were not in positions of authority and power, and as such, parties such as the cow-head protesters were unlikely to take them seriously.
"This is why I believe that our royalty and all our mufti must also speak up and say that what the protesters did was wrong. (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Najib (Razak), (PAS spiritual leader Datuk) Nik Abdul Aziz (Nik Mat) and (Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim should all also come up with a joint statement saying the protesters' actions were unacceptable," he said.
The participants (Pic courtesy of Sivin Kit)
According to Anas, only in this way would all Malaysians understand that the protest and the ensuing fracas were not part of Islam or the Malay culture.
Mahadzir, a multilingual compere with decades of experience, also said it is important to not just talk about an inclusive Malaysia, but to practise it.
"I grew up having Chinese and Indian [Malaysian] neighbours babysitting me when my parents went out. Everyone was an uncle or auntie even if we weren't literally related, regardless of race," he told The Nut Graph in a phone interview.
He admitted to being confounded by the rise in communalism in Malaysia.
"I once heard even my own younger relatives talking in a not-so-harmonious way about other races. I had to sit them down, not to scold them, but to explain my own multiracial upbringing," he said.
Mahadzir will be among the many personalities aiming to share their pre-dawn meal together at 5am at Lotus Restaurant in PJ State cinema tomorrow. The organisers encourage members of the public to hold their own inclusive fasts and to break fast together, preferably with vegetarian food, wherever they are.
Details of the event can be found at http://peace4msia.blogspot.com.
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.
Civil Society’s Malaysia Day Message
Civil Society’s Malaysia Day Message
2009-09-16
New Nationalism: Freedom with Empowering Peace
We the undersigned civil society organizations believe that Malaysia must renew our national independence after Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak were brought together to become a new nation 46 years ago.
Following a series of saddening and outraging developments since the last Malaysia Day, we feel strongly the need for a new discourse of nationalism that denounces political violence and pursues empowering peace.
Diversity and dissent are signs of real independence
We fully appreciate the complexity of Malaysia in ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural, regional, socio-economical, gender, lifestyle and physical terms. We therefore do not pretend that there is a single Malaysia that would meet the expectation and aspiration of every Malaysian. We are proud with our own vision for the nation and at the same time respect those of others.
We see the differences in preferences and opinion of how this country should move forward as both inevitable and desirable – inevitable because we are free to choose; and desirable because we have plenty alternatives to consider. Diversity and dissent in public opinion are beautiful signs of real independence.
We believe, however, every Malaysian, politician and voter alike, must sign up to one common position: the elimination of political violence.
Political violence threatens our independence
Political violence refers to actions that aim to achieve certain political goals by causing harm to others or subduing them with violence. This must not be confused with legitimate exercise of freedom of speech, assembly and association where violence is not preached, threatened and executed.
More than violation of peace, political violence is exploitation of the physically weak and outnumbered. It deprives the victims of political violence their right to participate in public affairs and prevents the emergence of an inclusive outcome through the use of reason.
In fact, political violence is at the core of colonialism as it was the very means how colonial rule was imposed on us. National liberation is in this sense meaningful only when all citizens are free from further colonization of violence and may exercise freedom and reason in running their public life.
Four principles of Empowering Peace
In this regard, peace associated with fear that inhibits us from full participation in public affairs is but pseudo peace.
True peace must be empowering and inclusive to allow all Malaysians to contribute to and enjoy the national life. True peace requires rule of law and protection of human rights. It is therefore political, but in no way partisan.
We call upon every Malaysian citizen and organization, especially the politicians and political parties, to sign up to the following principles:
1. Zero tolerance for violence as a political means
Civilized life requires restrain and self-control. Conflicts should be solved through dialogues, deliberation, debates or litigation. There must be zero tolerance for the use, threat or incitement of violence as a political means, regardless of circumstances or subject matters.
In this sense, the perpetrators of the cow-head protest should be charged for incitement of violence, not sedition or illegal assembly. The thugs who threatened to rape Rodziah Ismail and to murder Khalid Samad, the elected representatives in Shah Alam, must be investigated and prosecuted for criminal intimidation. The threat of sexual violence, a common trait in many communal conflicts, is especially alarming and absolutely intolerable.
2. Fighting Hatred with Reason
Hatred exists in every society and can only be effectively eliminated by reason, not law. Given a vibrant public sphere, the flaws of hate speeches can be exposed and the perpetrators shamed. Legal suppression only weakens the society’s resistance to hatred by removing the need for intellectual rigour and moral courage to confront bigotry.
The latest harassment of Malaysiakini by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for featuring video-clips of the cow-head protest and the Home Minister’s press conference justifying the act is not only violating freedom of expression, but also protecting violence from public shaming.
3. The State’s Duty to Protect Political Participation
The state which monopolizes the legitimate use of violence should exist only to protect citizens from private violence, not to inflict more violence than necessary. The state’s coercive power therefore must never be used against peaceful political activities. Instead, the state has the duty to protect political participation.
Instead of arbitrarily arresting over 160 1BLACKMalaysia protesters, lawyers on duty, 589 Anti-ISA protestors and bystanders, the anti-PPSMI, Kampung Buah Pala and Hindraf protesters, and using unnecessary violence, the police should have only controlled traffic and maintained order. After all, the validity of the protesters’ causes should be judged by the citizen, not the police or the Executive.
4. Upholding Elected Government
The threat of political violence is greatest when political elites resort to means other than elections to attain power. Democracy is the only guarantee for political stability and peace. Politicians and political parties must therefore do their best to win elections honestly, not usurping power after elections. Otherwise, democratic breakdown may lead to coups or revolutions.
The Perak coup has seen an elected government being overthrown by a host of unelected institutions including but not limited to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Election Commission (EC), the Judiciary, the bureaucracy and the police. The partisan investigation of MACC in Selangor amidst the Barisan Nasional’s express wish to takeover the state had led to the death of Teoh Beng Hock, the first of a state official in the custody of a federal agency. If there is no firmed commitment from both sides of the political divide to democracy, the next election may see the military being the next unelected institution dragged into political struggle.
On the auspicious birthday of Malaysia, which should have been made a national holiday 46 years ago, let us all vow to make empowering peace the basis of public life of our nation so that all of us may enjoy real freedom.
The signatories:
1. 1BLACKMalaysia Facebook Page and Group
2. Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran)
3. All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)
4. Amnesty International Malaysia
5. Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ)
6. Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI)
7. Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS)
8. Civil Rights Committee, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH)
9. Civil Society Committee, LLG Cultural Development Centre (LLG-CSC)
10. Civil Society Initiative for Parliamentary Reform (CSI@Parliament)
11. Council of Churches of Malaysia Youth Network
12. Durham Malaysian Scholars
13. Gabungan Bertindak Mahasiswa Utara(GBMU)
14. Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC)
15. Institut Kajian Dasar (IKD)
16. Institute for Development of Alternative Living (IDEAL), Sibu
17. Islamic Renaissance Front (IRF)
18. Jaringan Orang Asal Semalaysia (JOAS)
19. Jawatankuasa Penduduk Zon 23 MPSJ
20. Justice for Beng Hock Facebook Page and Group
21. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Youth Section (KLSCAH-YS)
22. Kumpulan Aktivis Mahasiswa Independen (KAMI)
23. Malaysia Youth and Student Democratic Movement (DEMA)
24. Malaysian AIDS Council
25. Malaysian Indian Development Association
26. Middle Eastern Graduate Centre (Magc)
27. Monitoring Sustainability of Globalisation (MSN)
28. Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF)
29. National Institute for Electoral Integrity (NIEI)
30. Oriental Hearts and Mind Study Institute (OHMSI)
31. Pahlawan Volunteers
32. Partners of Community Organisations, Sabah (PACOS)
33. Penang Du Zhong Education Society
34. Penggerak Belia Zon 23 MPSJ
35. Persatuan Alumni PBTUSM Selangor
36. Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower)
37. Persatuan Meditasi Projan KL & Selangor
38. Persatuan Penduduk Taman Muhibbah Seri Kembangan
39. Research for Social Advancement (REFSA)
40. Sarawak Central Region Friendship Association
41. Semparuthi Iyakkam
42. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
43. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram)
44. Tenaganita
45. The Micah Mandate (TMM)
46. The People’s Parliament
47. TONIBUNG (Friends for Village Development), Sabah
48. Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO)
49. Women’s Candidacy Initiative (WCI)
50. Writer Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI)
Fast for the nation: Peace for Malaysia on Malaysiakini.tv, Needed Clarification and a Big Terima Kasih
It’s nice to watch this all over again … it’s been a good day! I’m deeply grateful to all those who’ve been working behind the scenes of the “Fast for the Nation: Peace for Malaysia” Core Group.
It’s only appropriate to say a big thank you to ALL of them. The group of friends who were part of the initial evening supper and those who joined us with so much enthusiasm a little later. Especially appreciate those who helped with the translation of the original texts to Bahasa Malaysia (Erna and Ratna) and Mandarin (Wei Loon).
Apparently, there’s a person who merely spoke from his personal opinion was wrongly associated as well as articulated our intentions, purposes and specific goals. I’d like to now clearly acknowledge who are the faithful and real core group members behind the scenes.
One fact must be stated clearly, the support and participation of everyone and every group who signed on made all this possible. Terima Kasih!
Once again, thanks to the other core members for the trust and honor given to me to serve as the coordinator and spokesperson for the initiative. I want to emphasize once again this was a ground up people initiative which is not associated with the government or political party.
The Core Group members are
1. Sivin Kit (coordinator & spokesperson)
2. Masjaliza Hamzah
3. Ivy Josiah
4. Liau Kok Fah
5. Lim Zhen Hui
6. Marina Mahathir
7. Ngeow Chow Ying
8.Padma Zachariah
9. Tai Jien Seng
10. Wong Chin Huat
Pre-fast Meal at Lotus Restaurant PJ on Malaysia Day
Photos courtesy of Fast for the Nation participant Ee Chia.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A little encouragement to Fast4Peace
The idea is very simple. Whether we are Muslims or not, Malaysians are encouraged to show solidarity with other Malaysians and go through the common experience of a fast so that it can strengthen and unite us. ~ The Middle Ground
. This initiative is the best piece of news in recent months. Let’s all support it!
. This is a good inItiative and I strongly support for it. Rather than debating and striving for a different cause we should fighting for a common reason. I,m sure every sensible and patriotic ppl will support this move. Besides fasting is very beneficial to body and soul.
~ Comments from RantingsbyMM
Whenever I turn to the news from Malaysia I just can’t help but sense that the whole nation is so overwhelmed by disturbing events one after another.
I’m so glad that there is a call for a time of fasting for our beloved nation on the 16th Sept 2009. It is indeed a great privilege to take part in “Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia“
Pada 16 Sept jatuh Hari Malaysia (Malaysia Day). Pada tahun ini kita akan menyambut Hari Malaysia yang ke-46. Sebagai salah satu cara untuk mempromosikan keamanan dan keharmonian, sambutan Hari Malaysia tahun ini akan dilakukan dengan berpuasa. Berpuasa ini akan dilakukan oleh semua rakyat Malaysia yang berminat untuk turut serta (tidak kira agama atau bangsa).
Semoga Malaysia kekal aman, makmur dan terus maju. ~ Voice My Right
My friend Sivin Kit is part of an important initiative in his homeland, Malaysia. You can read about it here. Blessed are the peacemakers! ~ Brian McLaren
我们每一个人只是一滴水，但是汇集在一起，我们是河流。 ~ Inbetweenconfusion
I was in a press conference this morning where a group of individuals led by Rev Sivin Kit got together and do something special this Hari Malaysia September 16th, 2009.
The idea is to fast for peace together regardless of our race, religion, background or where we come from. Coincidentally, we at Zubedy is organizing our yearly Hari Malaysia celebration with a similar theme. ~ Anas Zubedy
- Compiled by Sivin Kit
Monday, September 14, 2009
为国家禁食，和平的马来西亚
民間組織發起 916大馬和平禁食
面对残酷与不公 非政府组织呼吁为国家禁食一日
为国家禁食，和平的马来西亚
马来西亚是个和平国度，任何暴力行径和煽动仇恨必须在公共生活中
消弭于无形 ，维系安宁理当如此。不幸的是，自上一次国庆以来，社会上的残酷和不公义多不胜数。
它容易陷人于绝望或激发仇恨。何不将愤怒哀伤，
化为变革的积极力量。 在这个9月16日，让我们共同努力，为马来西亚的46岁生日致上
意义深长的献礼。 让我们众志成城。让我们从日升禁食至日落，
祈愿这个神佑之地的和平。让这其中的穆斯林以特定的祈祷禁食， 为这片国土的和平祈福。让我们当中的巴哈伊教徒、佛教徒、 基督教徒、兴都教徒、锡克教徒、道教徒、 传统宗教追随者和无神论者为了相同的和平理念，一起禁食。 让饥饿的体验、人性的弱点，团结我们，同舟共济。
让我们对识与不识者，微笑示人，热情相待。
让我们在这个马来西亚日禁食，多做一件事。
让我们展现恻隐之心，互助互爱。
让马来西亚在46岁生日时，以及接下来的日子里，国家进步，
不走回头路。 让它在916，真正和平喜乐。
因此，我们为和平禁食，为和平祈祷！
如何加入我们？
以下为一般性建议，您可以根据个人喜好、
1. 组成至少3人小组。
2. 一起参与禁食前的黎明用餐（如穆斯林在清晨5时35分前）。
3. 一如往常，进行您的日常工作。
4. 对周遭或遥隔远地者，微笑以对，日行一善。
5. 与每一位好奇者，分享和平的讯息。
6. 黄昏后与同伴一起进食（如穆斯林在傍晚7时25分后）。
7. 尽可能与更多的人，分享您在这次全国禁食运动的经验与感受。
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
