Ipoh, Perak State, Malaysia—On September 29, 2018, UPF-Malaysia observed UN International Day of Peace with the theme “The Right to Peace—The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” Over 200 participants attended.
The program began with Mr. Yutaka Yamada, national overseas director of UPF-Malaysia, outlining the vision of peace based on the ideals of UPF cofounders Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. This was followed by remarks from Mr. Sudesh Balasubramaniam, president of UPF-Malaysia reminding the audience that the family is the school of peace and there can be no peace without living unselfish lives.
An interfaith prayer was conducted by five religious leaders representing the Islamic, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Sikh religious traditions. The religious leaders then participated in a water pouring ceremony, signifying the unity of religions and universality of values.
The guest of honor was Hon. Dato’ Seri Mohammad Nizar bin Jamaluddin of the Perak State Assembly executive committee, who was representing the chief minister of Perak State, and H.E. Atty Wencelito Tan Andanar Al Haj, special envoy of the Philippines president to Malaysia, and his wife.
Hon. Dato Seri’ Mohammad Nizar delivered a powerful speech. As a leader havin a Muslim faith tradition, he began his speech by quoting verses from the Quran that espoused the principle of “One source” He stressed the need to abandon racial discrimination and thus pledged his full support on behalf of the government toward all efforts to bring peace and unity among all races.
The program included an array of elegant Malaysian and Indian traditional dances and a children’s choir performing in several languages. These performances highlighted the beauty and diversity of the Malaysian community, which has co-existed in peaceful harmony. Participants could feel the importance of peace and unity, which begins from the individual and the family levels and expands toward the community and nation.