photo
SHARE | PRINT | TEXT SIZE: ＋ － | RSS
SGI News: Global activities for peace, education and culture

"Voices of Peace" in Malaysia

Participants in the 2011 "Run for Peace" [SGM]

During September, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) held a month-long event titled "Voices of Peace" to promote compassion and friendship as well as in celebration of Malaysia Day.

One of the most notable events held during the month was a poetry reading and performance titled "Kekasih--A Tribute to Usman Awang and Peace" hosted by SGM in tribute to Malaysia's National Literary Laureate SMK Dato' Usman Awang, whose works explore the themes of love, peace, friendship, compassion and Malaysian identity. More than 60 performers participated in this event, including an array of guest performers such as Usman's daughter, Puan Haslina Usman, who is a writer, as well as notable Malaysian poet Dato' A. Samad Said, Dr. Siti Zainon Ismail and Fiona Kab. In addition to being read in six languages, poems were presented in the forms of dance, live music and choral performances by SGM members.

SGM Youth Leader Angela Ng stated, "It is our hope that this evening's event will create greater awareness in the role of poetry in fostering peace. . . We want to express our love for humanity that transcends all creeds and races."

Puan Haslina Usman also remarked, "A lofty bond was formed when the similarities between the ideals of Usman Awang and Daisaku Ikeda were merged. Therefore, the tribute to Usman Awang today and the celebration of Soka Gakkai Malaysia's Month of Peace throughout September are in line with its true aim and objective."

The "Voices of Peace" activities also included an exhibition of the works of Malaysian women artists titled "The Splendour of Peace" held at SGM's Wisma Kebudayaan from September 10 to 25. The exhibition featured an array of works ranging from oil, Chinese ink and batik, from artists aged 18 to 85 years. Co-organizers of the event included Island Gallery, June Art Space and SGM. The opening was officiated by Y.Bhg. Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, D.S.I.S., Secretary General of the Malaysia-China Cultural and Arts Association.

"The Splendour of Peace" exhibition [SGM]

On September 17, a lecture titled "Women and Peace" was given by Professor Datin Azizan Baharuddin, head of the Centre for Civilisational Dialogue at the University of Malaya (UM). In her lecture, Dr. Azizan pointed out how cultures, science, sociology and theology view women and the differences between men and women--physically, spiritually and emotionally--and how to help women become protagonists for peace.

Meanwhile, SGM Selangor, Penang and Johor organized the 2011 "Run for Peace" in their respective states during October, attracting a total of some 15,000 people. SGM Selangor first launched this event in 2005, and this year marks the fourth time the event has been held.

In Penang, the run was held in conjunction with the United Nations' International Day of Non-Violence. The event was co-organized by AIESEC (a global youth organization) of University Sains Malaysia, the Right Livelihood College, Centre for Policy Research and International Studies, Gandhiji Ashram Penang and Taiping Peace Initiative.

TOP