Initiative today aimed at bringing Malaysians together

1 Marina (right) talking to those attending the sahur session before fasting for the Fast4Malaysia campaign last year.2 Cheong with Miss World Malaysia 2009/2010 Thanuja Ananthan having a meal before fasting for the campaign last year. — filepic

SHOW your love for Malaysia by joining Muslims in fasting from dawn to dusk today.

People of multiple faiths and ethnic groups are expected to join Muslims in fasting to promote peace and unity.

The initiative #Puasa4Msia is organised by Malaysians for Malaysia, led by social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

StarMetro columnist Niki Cheong, who will be fasting for the third time, said #Puasa4Msia is a platform for Malaysians to come together in solidarity.

“There’s been a lot of negativity and polarisation of views over the past few years and this is an effort to bring us together,” he said.

Cheong added that participants will give each other moral support, especially those who have never fasted before.

Recounting his previous experience, Cheong said he would feel more thirsty than hungry.

“By 5pm, my head is spinning,” he said.

Kakiseni president Low Ngai Yuen said she has been fasting during Ramadan since her primary schooldays.

“Fasting is natural to me as I have many Malay friends and colleagues,” she said.

Low added that fasting helped to cleanse and detoxify the body and was a form of teambuilding.

She explained that fasting during Ramadan was an example of fitting into one’s community.

“It’s a great way to remind ourselves that we are part of a larger social fabric,” she said.

For details, visit ‘Malaysians for Malaysia - A walk in the park’ Facebook page.