Promote 1Humanity
By Y.S. Chan, The Star
GOOD citizens of different races, religions, languages, cultures, orientation and politics share common values that can unite all Malaysians. Good people throughout the world embrace universal values, and they are the ones that make this world a better place.
We must constantly bear in mind that Malaysia is one of the world’s most popular countries. At any one time, there are millions of foreign workers, students, expatriates, business persons and tourists in our midst.
As foreign visitors are welcome, they should not be excluded and feel alienated while in our country. We should therefore promote 1Humanity, which is also in line with the Prime Minister’s push for the Global Movement of Moderates (GMM).
The inaugural GMM Conference with the theme “Towards fair and lasting peace” will be held on Jan 17-19 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Government leaders and thinkers are to present sound ideas for practising moderation.
While wisdom and rationality are needed to counter extremism and terrorism, the right formula will have to include actions and activities that nurture solidarity. One effective way is for large numbers of people to be seen walking together in the name of peace.
On Saturday nights, and weather permitting, it will be great to see thousands of people, locals and foreigners, walking side by side along the streets of Kuala Lumpur from 10pm to midnight. Anyone can join in or leave anywhere along a selected circular route.
Participants are to be encouraged to wear their national or tribal costumes, traditional dresses, religious robes or uniforms. Everyone should try to mingle with those who look different to show solidarity.
It will be different from the Mardi Gras as there will be no music, dancing, celebration, rowdiness or noise. This “KLWalk” should have the quiet stamp of dignity.
Peace cannot be achieved through protests but can be attained by profess.
City Hall can mould Kuala Lumpur into an iconic city with soul by doing its bit. It can facilitate the “KLWalk” by placing safety cones.
Those who walk for 90 minutes non-stop will also cover the recommended 10,000 steps needed daily to stay healthy and fit.
No one should be allowed to give speeches, put up banners or distribute leaflets.
The only form of verbal communication is SMS, Twitter, email or billboard.
The procession should not stop and listen to those who try to address the crowd.
The silent majority just want to be seen, not to be heard, and do not wish to be told. It will be up to each one of us to support or oppose whatever causes in our hearts. We just want to come forward and show solidarity with our fellow human beings.
We have had more than enough of rhetoric from loudmouthed politicians, and silence will indeed be golden.
To borrow a song’s lyric, “you say it best when you say nothing at all”. Such peace marches can spread around the globe, similar to the runs conducted by the Hash House Harriers.
I would love to see all our leaders walking together as proof that they genuinely care. I also wish to see High Commissioners and Ambassadors posted to Malaysia joining in the walk with their fellow nationals who are working here or on tour.
Malaysians can take the opportunity to show the world how hospitable we are, and that everyone – foreigners included – have a place under the Malaysian sun and enjoy Malaysian hospitality.
We should go beyond the airing of views, offering lip service or giving a brand name.
There has been too much anger and violence, which are easily stirred up.
Choosing to demonstrate love for our fellow human beings, practising universal values and attaining inner peace requires much greater effort.
We will naturally do all these when we truly love God. It is time for all of us to, literally, walk the talk.
