Malaysia Day Call for Peace and Unity

(Malaysian Mirror) – In the true spirit of Malaysia Day, the crème de la crème of the country’s civil society gathered early this morning to eat a pre-dawn vegetarian meal together – signaling their hopes and wishes for peace and unity in the nation.

The event Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia was mooted by prominent citizens from across the political divide such as Marina Mahathir, former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan and Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha Thera.

“This is more than just having sahur together.If you look at the composition of the people attending, you will notice it is apolitical,” analyst Mustapha Ong told the Malaysian Mirror.

“Folks from across the political divide are coming together urging peace and unity. And given the recent bouts of political and racial tensions, this is a timely reminder to us all that our ties with each other as Malaysians must be constantly renewed. We should never take each other lightly or for granted.”

Give and take

Malaysia became independent from British rule on August 31, 1957. And on September 16, 1963, Sabah and Sarawak joined the peninsula states to form Malaysia.

Similar events will be held for buka puasa  today at Cawan in Bangsar and Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia at 66, Lorong Setiabistari 1, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

Some of those present at this morning’s event also expressed the hope that the country’s top leaders would take stock of the current situation and respond wisely.

“But there must be give and take. As the people voice their wishes and aspirations, they must also play their part. They should try to rally behind Prime Minister Najib Razak and give his government a chance to carry out its mandate,” said Mustapha.