Mohd Yussof (in batik shirt) with Alagesan (fourth from left) celebrating the event at the PCCC premises.
COMMUNITY and business leaders must foster peace and tackle racism through education and reparatory justice, in line with this year’s International Day of Peace theme of “End Racism, Build Peace”.
Penang Consultative Goodwill Council chairman Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff said this during the celebration at the Peace Children Care Centre (PCCC) in Persiaran Pantai Jerejak 11.
“Everyone should join in the efforts of the United Nations to work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination.
“A world where love, compassion and empathy will overcome suspicion and hatred.
“We can work to dismantle the racism structures entrenched in people’s minds, and support the movements for equality and human rights. We must speak out against hate speech, both offline and online,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff said to bring growth and prosperity to a society, everyone needs to follow in the steps of people like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Malaysia’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and Mother Teresa, and promote peace and harmony.
“Without peace and harmony in a nation, it is impossible to achieve political and economic stability and cultural growth.
Individuals must have peace within them and only then can hatred, greed, divisiveness, the holier-than-thou attitude and prejudice be eliminated.
“All of us must realise that a little kindness, compassion and self-perseverance can restore the sense of humanity in oneself and resolve all issues regarding peace and harmony in our life,” he added.
Also present were PCCC chairman Alagesan Ayaru, event organising chairman Diyana Lee Abdullah, PCCC advisors Datuk M Ramachan-dran and Datuk Cheah Swee Huat.
Since 2020, the PCCC and Charity Foundation Association of Penang (PKAPP) have been organising the International Day of Peace celebration which falls on Sept 21.
PCCC, managed by PKAPP, opened in July 2020. It provides care for children with a wide range of needs, in a diverse setting.
