(From left) Sim, Chun Wai and Chee Kheon at the book launch. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
A BOOK about unity has made its way into Malaysia Book of Records for being the first of its kind published by a school.
Unity: The Recipe for Malaysia’s Success features more than 100 contributions comprising poems, short stories and essays written by Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) (WMSKLI) students as well as 26 local and international prominent personalities.
WMSKLI principal Wong Chee Kheon said the book could inspire unity.
“The book will be available in bookstores, but for now we would like to focus on distributing it to schools,” he said in a press conference after the launch at the school.
The book’s coordinator, Sundarappandian Valusamy said it took about six months to produce the anthology.
“As it comes in Bahasa Malaysia and English versions, the book can be easily understood by everyone,” he said.
Methodist Council of Education private education director Lim Kah Cheng said the book would be distributed to the 53 Methodist schools nationwide for free.
“It will be sold at cost price as we are not seeking profit.
“We will also launch a book about patriotism on Aug 23 at Ipoh Methodist Girls School, Perak. It will also feature students’ works.”
Unity was launched by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
An entertaining ‘dikir barat’ performance at Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International).
In his speech, he emphasised the need for Malaysians to be optimistic and confident about the nation’s capability to achieve greatness.
“Although solving climate change and curing cancer can be tough, being too pessimistic and cynical over our country’s capability would lead to a lot of missed opportunities.
“We need to stay united to fight against pessimism and cynicism, as well as promote positive leadership and hard work.”
Sim also urged Malaysians to stay united and utilise the strength of their diversity to deal with the various challenges faced by the country.
“Quarrels and divisions are certainly not the way to deal with challenges such as the recent 25% tariff imposed on Malaysian goods by United States president Donald Trump.
“We cannot deny that there are differences between people but we can always celebrate these differences and galvanise our efforts towards a better Malaysia,” he said.
One of the book’s contributors, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai believes that most Malaysians are good people who share values such as compassion, kindness and love.
“We must constantly remind ourselves of these noble values and not be swayed by some parties attempting to spread hatred,” he said in his speech.
“Unity is not about being the same as others, it is about our ability to stand together despite our differences.”
During the ceremony, attendees were entertained by various performances such as dikir barat and poetry recitations.
After the ceremony, the National Unity and Integration Department showcased various traditional costumes, games, dances and musical instruments.
