A few friends met up some days ago and in talking about events that have happened in the country in the past year, came up with this idea: “What if on Malaysia Day we all fast for peace for our nation?”. The idea grew into a plan and now, it has become a nationwide call for action.
The call is based on the fact that Malaysia is a peaceful country and it should remain that way forever. Acts of violence and inciting hatred must have no place in our public life.
Unfortunately, too many cruelties and injustices have happened since the nation’s last birthday.
It is tempting for people to slip into despair or become revengeful. Thus, a call to turn our anger and sadness into a positive force for change would be a meaningful gift for Malaysia on her 46th birthday, this September 16, 2009.
United in one single action, everyone can fast from dawn to dusk for peace in this blessed land. The Muslims may fast with a specific prayer for peace for the nation. The Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists, followers of other spiritual traditions and atheists amongst us fast in solidarity and the same determination for peace.
Apart from the common experience of hunger and human weakness which would humble, strengthen and unite us, Malaysians can show our love and compassion for each other by starting with a simple hospitable smile to people we know and especially to those we don’t. Even better when we perform one extra act of kindness while fasting on this Malaysia day.
“Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia” is an initiative open to ALL to participate anywhere and everywhere so Malaysia can be a better country. Currently, the first pioneer batch who have signed up come from all walks of life, race and religion. Those who sign on are encouraged to do the following:
- E-mail your pledge to fast on Sept 16, 2009, to: peace4malaysia09@gmail.com, or SMS to 016-9707966 or leave a comment at http://peace4msia.blogspot.com/
- Get a group of at least three people.
- Have your pre-fast meal together before dawn (e.g. before 5.35am for Muslims*). The meal is preferably vegetarian to be inclusive to all.
- Carry out your daily duties and tasks as usual.
- Smile and do an extra act of kindness to people around you or afar.
- Wear a Hibiscus or carry a twig through the day to represent one’s participation in this initiative.
- Share your message of peace with every curious person.
- Break your fast together after dusk(e.g. after 7.25 pm for Muslims*). The meal is preferably vegetarian to be inclusive to all.
- Share your experience, feeling and thought in this national fasting exercise with more people, in every possible way. A blog has been set up at http://peace4msia.blogspot.com/ to compile pictures, reflections and stories.
- On September 16, 2009, 5am, There is a pre-fast meal organized at Lotus Restaurant PJ (PJ State Cinema) where the core group and all interested will start this initiative together.
Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia
Malaysia is a peaceful country and it should remain that way forever. Acts of Violence and inciting hatred must have no place in our public life.
Unfortunately, too many cruelties and injustices have happened since the nation’s last birthday.
It is tempting to slip into despair or become revengeful. Let us turn our anger and sadness into a positive force for change.
This September 16, let us all combine our efforts to present a meaningful gift for Malaysia on her 46th birthday.
Let us be united in one single action. Let us all fast from dawn to dusk for peace in this blessed land. Let the Muslims amongst us fast with a specific prayer for peace for the nation. Let the Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists, followers of other spiritual traditions and atheists amongst us fast in solidarity and the same determination for peace.
Let our common experience of hunger and human weakness humble, strengthen and unite us.
Let us offer a hospitable smile to people we know and especially to those we don’t.
Let us perform one extra act of kindness while fasting on this Malaysia day.
Let us show our love and compassion for each other.
Let Malaysia be a better country on her 46th birthday and every day after.
Let Malaysia be truly happy and peaceful this September 16.
And so we fast.
. . . . . . to make room for justice and peace!
