Promote 1Humanity

TS,Wednesday 9 November 2011 

Many animals live in herds or tribes, including Homo sapiens. Over time, triumphant human tribes evolve into feudal states that later formed countries with many conquering and plundering others. Some succeed in creating empires but subsequently collapse. 

Ultra-nationalism by the Germans and Japanese led to the Second World War and no nation should go down the same path again. In this globalised world, progressive nations are no longer as homogeneous as in the past. 

The most popular countries and cities are potpourris of people from all corners of the globe, bringing with them a diversity of languages, faiths and cultures that can enrich or enrage the lives of its residents, usually determined by the level of courtesy and maturity. 

Those who choose to champion their race or country at the expense of others are no different from primitive people since the dawn of civilisation. Conversely, those who practise universal values inadvertently bring honour and respect to their race and country. 

A border separating a geographical area politically creates different nationalities, although many of the affected people may share the same ethnicity, dialect and custom. Religions too do not discriminate people of different passport, race or language. 

Inhabitants of this land have long practised the 1Malaysia concept, branded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for hundreds of years, with intermittent fighting caused by a few bent on imposing their will on the rest of the populace. 

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 number of people to be seen walking together in the name of peace. 

On Saturday nights, and weather permitting, it would 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 is different from 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 walked 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 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. 

In my “Bucket List”, 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 (MH). 

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. 

YS Chan 

Kuala Lumpur