PETALING JAYA: Strangers of different races sat down on a mat and chatted away over a packet of nasi lemak like good friends – thanks to Project “JomKawan”.
The project, run by a group of volunteers, is aimed at reducing racial tension.
People of various backgrounds sat down together and enjoyed nasi lemak while engaging in conversations at the KL Sentral train station.
Project leader Lydia May Wong said that the activity was designed to give people something positive to talk about instead of the negative issues constantly plaguing social media.
Iskandar Kamal Bacha, 22, who was buying a train ticket at the station said that there was a lack of events like this.
“I was surprised to see events like this that give importance to unity.
“When someone starts (the project), the idea will expand and this will spread awareness on a larger scale,” he said.
Student Ang Ken Gin enjoyed taking part in the activity and the fact that he made new friends.
“This is how Malaysians should be. Friendly without taking into account what race we are.
“It made me wonder why we aren’t friendly to each other like in those days,” said the 17-year-old.
He said that people should evaluate before believing in rumours that instigate racism.
“I hope people stop calling us Indians, Chinese and Malays. We’re all Malaysians.
“It’s time people realised that,” he added.
Retired teacher Aruna Kumari, 69, said that it was the citizens’ responsibility to maintain peace and harmony.
“The younger generation should do activities like this,” she said after a game ofcongkak on the mat.
She added that the project would help break racial barriers if done frequently at different places.
Stewardess Mira Atiqah said that although she was rushing to catch a flight, she felt that the activity was important enough to take part in.
“With everything happening nowadays, it was nice to see strangers united,” said the 23-year-old.
Project volunteer Surendran Karapiah, 29, said that some of the people he spoke to came in with negativity about the country’s current affairs.
“At the end of the conversation, they realised that we should put this aside and focus on spreading love instead,” he said.
Wong concluded that the response yesterday was overwhelming.
“The mat was packed with people of different races and generations. Malaysians are much better than what we think we are,” she added.
Comments
Post a Comment