THE world celebrates the International Day of Peace today.
In Penang, 11 programmes and activities were curated under the PEACE21 (2022) campaign in celebration of peace at all levels, involving communities from all walks of life.
The PEACE21 (2022) was a campaign by Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) to promote and celebrate the peace culture within the multi-cultural and multi-religious Penang.
PEACE21 (2022), which was launched on Sept 1 this year, concluded today.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng said the highlight of the PEACE21 (2022) campaign was the launch of the Street of Harmony Seberang Jaya.
“It is located in the vicinity of Jalan Todak and Lorong Jelawat 4 in Seberang Jaya. There are nine houses of worship including a mosque in the area,” she said in her speech during the closing ceremony of the PEACE21 (2022) campaign at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
The closing ceremony also marked the end of the campaign’s final programme – the Northern Region Peace Conference – a regional conference to enable constructive discussions on the impacts of the internet on racism and racial discrimination, today.
In her speech, Chong Eng stressed the importance of peace and the role of society in promoting peace.
“In Penang, we believe that everyone plays a role in nurturing peace.
“The government cannot do it by itself to bring about peace, gender equality or community empowerment. Everyone must take part.
“We believe in a whole-of-society approach. Therefore, it is important that these values reach the community,” she said.
Lauding the effort by non-governmental human rights organisation Pusat KOMAS, Chong Eng urged the organisation to carry on its great work with enthusiasm.
“It is not easy. And when you are tired, remember that you have Harmonico, the Penang government, and many others who are walking alongside you in your advocacy for democracy and non-discrimination in Malaysia.
“The journey will be long. I know this because I have been fighting against gender discrimination for many years.
“The people need to understand that gender and racial equality are good for everyone. They are good for the country.
“Meanwhile, discrimination is bad.
“Let us build peace and promote justice together for the betterment of our community and country,” she said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En