ADVOCATING the spirit of Chinese traditional virtues like upholding family values and filial piety is strongly emphasised by the newly-formed Chinese People’s Federation for World Peace Malaysia (CPFWPM).
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the CPFWPM inaugural ceremony at Jen Hotel today, said he was inspired by its founding principles.
“Without a doubt, creating a world of peace starts within the family. And this is aligned with our vision of Penang2030 in building a family focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation,” Chow said in his speech.
“The key phrase here is ‘family-focused’ which to me, means the importance of achieving harmony, cohesiveness and keeping the flame of passion burning in one’s immediate and extended family, between married couples and to a certain extent, even to a friend if he or she was to treated as a family.”
Chow said the ceremony could not have been more timely because Malaysia has always been known as a peace-loving country.
He cited the peaceful transition of power from Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Harapan after the 14th General Election last year is a solid proof of how much Malaysians value their peace.
For CPFWPM to be founded and based in Penang, Chow added that it must have been a well-considered decision as the state provided vibrant socioeconomic conditions for NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to thrive and to meet their objectives.
“History has repeatedly proved that peace does not fall from the sky; the process towards attaining it is time-consuming. Not to mention the obstacles faced by right-minded and peace-loving people.
“So, it’s a very challenging mission facing mankind. At CPFWPM, all of us must renew our commitment to global solidarity. To sustain peace, we must build it every day, in every society, with every man and woman, by working together towards a better common future.
“Justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail as long as each of us contributes our fair bit towards our shared future.”
Chow was earlier welcomed to the event by CPFWPM president Nick Ng Shu Lin, its board of advisers and committee members.
Also present were state executive councillors Chong Eng and Soon Lip Chee, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman Mustafa Kamal Ahmad, Perlis’ Indera Kayangan assemblyman Gan Ay Ling and CPFWP International adviser Prof Hwang from South Korea.
They were also CPFWP representatives from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Although CPFWPM sounds Chinese, it has many members from other races. In his speech, Ng said CPFWPM was inviting the public to take part in promoting Chinese culture and values.
“Worldwide, this organisation is calling upon people everywhere to draw upon these values in order to contribute towards world peace,” Ng said.
“At the same time, the group is embracing diversity, as the composition of this meeting clearly shows. This is because Chinese values do not belong to the Chinese people alone. They are universal values.
“Through the efforts of CPFWPM and like-minded people, I believe that we can restore authentic family values and realise a peaceful society. I hope through community-based activities centred on family ethics and morality, we can instil integrity and strengthen national unity.”
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix and video by Law Suun Ting