United in our pilgrimage towards justice and peace

PETALING JAYA: The fourth annual Day of Solidarity, themed Pilgrimage towards Justice and Peace, was held on Sunday, March 25 at the Council of Churches Malaysia Ecumenical Centre.

The gathering, initiated by the Conference of Religious Major Superiors and the Council of Churches of Malaysia (CCM) was to stand up for common Christian values as children of God.

The session began with Taize meditation and a short video message from the prior of the French Taizé Community, Brother Alois.

Bro Alois said, “Solidarity is linked intimately with our faith in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to sow and discover seeds of hope, wherever we are … with the hope that Christ doesn’t abandon anybody.”

“As we work towards the expansion of the kingdom of God, there must also be joy of common humanity in our heart.”

The congregation was invited to join any of the four breakout sessions on Human Trafficking by Global Shepherds, Migrant Workers by Tenaganita, Environmental Issue by Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Pahang community leader Fatimah Bah Sin and Youth Perspective Towards Justice and Peace by lawyer Syahredzan Johan, to learn and be better equipped about the plights of our fellow brethren.

Each topic saw a fairly even number of attendees as its speakers passionately shared on their respective subjects.

The highlight of the afternoon was the forum. Bukit Bendera, Penang MP Zairil Khir Johari, Selangor State Assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh, Sungai Burung, Penang UMNO member Shamil Norshidi and three-time winner of the Asian British Parliamentary (ABP) Debating Championship’s Asia Best Speaker award and Youth Chief of the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (Bersatu) Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, presented their take on Malaysia’s pilgrimage towards justice and peace. Jerald Joseph, a Commissioner with SUHAKAM was the moderator.

Syed Saddiq, Hannah Yeoh and Zairil shared their thoughts on the need for change for a better Malaysia. Transparency, Accountability, Free from Corruption and Racial Discrimination were of utmost importance in the light of the current political scenario. They spoke with compassion and the need for change for a better Malaysia.

Zairil spoke about the hijrah and that those of us whose forefathers came to Malaysia or migrant workers were likened to a pilgrimage for a better life. Equality and respect must be accorded to all who seek a better future.

The youngest keynote speaker, Syed Saddiq, said his vision of Malaysia for the next 10 years, despite the growing apathy in the wake of pessimism, is optimistic, based on what the young have achieved thus far.

“Change doesn’t happen instantly and it happens when you least expect it,” said Syed.

He believes people’s loyalties to parties and individuals have reduced. They are more aware and conscious of their rights, which will help them move forward.

Syed said, “No matter who governs the nation, the power must return to the people and they will, in turn, determine the country’s progress, like never before.”

Yeoh talked about looking at the bigger picture versus drowning in feeling hopeless just because that is what friends say.

“I am hopeful because there are still a lot of good people working the ground and there will be a breaking point for the situation we are in today,” said Yeoh.

She also believes the need for the implementation of checks and balances in a political party to ensure accountability and transparency, regardless of who is in power, to achieve success.

Syamil shared his concerns on global warming and the life span of earth and the generations to come. There was pin drop silence when he shared statistics with those present.

Archbishop Julian Leow said the closing prayer and the covenanting pledge was read, followed by the audience lighting candles.–Communications and Media Relations Office/Neubert Ambrose

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online