MALAYSIANS from different religious entities unanimously agreed on the importance of oneness and affirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic has indeed strengthened our unity. They shared this during a virtual forum held today in conjunction with the Malaysia Day.
The forum, titled ‘What has the pandemic taught us about the importance of national unity?’, saw the participation of leaders from various religious bodies, namely the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang, Mahindarama Buddhist Temple,Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang, Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang Tzu Chi and FGA Centre Penang.
One of the speakers, Sukhveer Kaur from Wadda Gurdwara called out all individuals to keep encouraging one another as it would take a while for the Covid-19 crisis to simmer down.
“The transition from pandemic to endemic will take some time. Thus, let us come together to cheer up each other during this difficult time. It is important to portray the spirit of neighbourliness.
“Even while we are still practising social distancing, we can still do a bit for the community. Social distancing can only limit us physically but not emotionally.
“It is important for us to reach out to the community out there. For instance, we can make contactless delivery of provisions to those who are in need,’’ said Sukhveer.
Sukhveer shared that Wadda Gurdwara is actively involved in various charitable works, including services related to mental health wellbeing.
“We have setup hotline (012 4300497) to provide psychological aid. And we are also organising mental health forums catering to all age groups.
“Mental health wellbeing is one of the most important aspects that we need to pay attention to during this pandemic,’’ she added.
Meanwhile, Tamilselvi Balasuppermaniam from Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang highlighted the importance of creating unity through humanity, family and social relationships as well as encouraged everyone to take care of their physical wellness.
“The pandemic has shown that unity exists everywhere across the country when all Malaysians stepped up to help the needy irrespective of race and religion. They came together to provide provisions, medical devices as well as counselling services.
“Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang also did our part by helping the community with food aid and other services without any discrimination of race, religion and gender.
“Apart from that, the lockdown has also become an eye opener for many individuals on the need to keep themselves fit. Physical health does not only come by engaging in physical activities but also by eating healthily,’’ added Tamilselvi.
State executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng who was the keynote speaker at the forum said the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us all to put aside all the differences and work together to win our fight against the coronavirus.
“Leaders are required to join hands as one body to curb the pandemic, leaving behind their political differences. It is also important for us to give cooperation and support to our frontliners in this battle.
“It is hoped that with the wise leadership in the government as well as in politics,we will be able to get the country out of the pandemic soon.
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone ‘Happy Malaysia Day’,’’ Chong said while urging everyone to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) required.
Other speakers at the forum were Dmin Bansai (FGA Centre Penang), Lim Beng Hai (Penang Tzu Chi) , Dr Surya Dharamdass (Mahindarama Buddhist Temple) and Mohamed Rizwan Ghafoor Khan (Masjid Kapitan Keling) who also shared on the community works that their organisations are involved with.
They were in one accord championing brotherly love and exhibited a true Malaysian spirit on this significant day.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Joanna Kristhina