Despite downpour, Malaysians throng unity walk to celebrate national identity
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-downpour-malaysians-throng-unity-walk-to-celebrate-national-identit?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.f82u29A9.dpufPETALING JAYA, Jan 17 ― A group of some 200 Malaysians braved the heavy downpour today to march against racism and discrimination at a “Muhibah Walk” organised at Dataran Petaling Jaya here with local activists.
The group, which included renowned rights lawyer and activist Datuk S. Ambiga and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, appeared oblivious to the torrential downpour as they marched to commemorate what they labelled as a day to celebrate the Malaysian identity.
At the start of the “Muhibah Walk- Faces Without Races” programme, Ambiga delivered a fiery speech, congratulating the crowd for supporting the cause. “I am so proud of you… all of you. You are doing this for your future. “If the rain doesn’t stop your spirits, then nothing will,” Ambiga said to thunderous applause from the crowd.
Ambiga and Marina then joined the crowd, all clad in a blue T-shirt that read ‘Muhibah Walk ‘15- Faces Without Races’, in the two kilometer walk around the square, chanting “faces without races” and “saya anak Malaysia” as they marched.
The event participants, who carried the flags of several states, continued the march throughout the rain, singing patriotic tunes. Marina then took to the stage to deliver her speech, where she congratulated the crowd for their show of unity and spirit “I congratulate you for your spirit… for not letting anything get you down including the weather.
“As miserable as you might feel right now, at least you got dry homes to go to, so please don’t forget those in Kelantan, Terengganu and now Sabah and Sarawak. “If you want to be united, please don’t forget them,” Marina said.
She also called on the participants to think of more ways to bring those of different backgrounds together. “This is what creates unity and peace. We should commit ourselves to being the bridge builders and peace makers,” she added to loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
Event organiser Vision to Transform vice-president Cyrus Gomez said that the event was aimed at building a nation that looks past race, and one that firmly believes on celebrating unity.
- See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/despite-downpour-malaysians-throng-unity-walk-to-celebrate-national-identit?google_editors_picks=true#sthash.f82u29A9.dpuf
