Group walks in friendship on Malaysia Day

SHAH ALAM: More than a thousand people, concerned over increasing racial and religious tensions in Malaysia, gathered at the Laman Budaya Shah Alam to make a stand against extremism.‎

Led by representatives from various religious groups including the Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Bahai and Sikh, the group walked the talk by strolling around the lake in sports attire to promote harmony and respect in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

‎The Walk of Faiths in Friendship was organised by the newly-formed Interfaith Council Shah Alam, which is made up of the various religious groups. ‎

The participants consisting of both young and old from all walks of life, gathered as early as 4pm for the evening walk, which began at 6pm.

‎There was a festive air throughout the event as participants mingled and shared many light moments together amidst the loud patriotic and rhythmic songs ‎played through loudspeakers.

Parish Priest of the Church of Divine in Shah Alam Rev Father Simon Labrooy‎ said that the walk was to create awareness that everyone could live peacefully together, with mutual respect.‎

''The phrase 'religious tolerance' that was coined by some leaders is actually a bad thing because there is no love when you have to tolerate.

''It is respect for one another's faith that is essential to be instilled inside of us,'' he said when met here Wednesday.

Shah Alam Buddhist Society president Datuk Vincent C.S. Lim said that the togetherness shown by participants was the way all Malaysians should be.

''By staying united, we can achieve any vision as a nation,'' he said.

‎Kota Anggerik assemblyman Dr Yaakob Sapari also said that the values of respect, understanding and love for our people must be instilled in everyone.

''More interaction ‎and socialising with others increases our understanding towards each other.

''A life living separately according to race creates prejudices and it does the nation and country no good at all,'' he added.