Fast for a day to promote peace with #Fast4Malaysia

FAST for a day and pledge your solidarity and sovereignty for unity and peace in Malaysia. In an act of humanity, Malaysians from all walks of life, races and religions are urged to embark on a national fasting exercise for a day tomorrow to support the #Fast4Malaysia, the initiative organised by Projek Dialog, a non-governmental group which regards itself as a platform for moderation and dialog on diversity in Malaysia. Yep, you can fast voluntarily in an effort to spread the message of peace for the country, in every possible manner.

What can you do?

Have a pre-fast meal (sahur) with your family or a group of three friends before you start fasting.

If you’re in Kuala Lumpur and looking for someone to have a pre-fast meal with, join Projek Dialog at Devi’s Corner in Bangsar from 4.30am onwards.

Then, carry out your daily tasks and plan a buka puasa get together with your family or close friends after dusk at approximately 7.30pm (depending on your location).

Spread your message of peace by uploading original photos, videos and blogs of your national fasting experience onto fast4malaysia.tumblr.com; petition http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/malaysians-fast-for-malaysia-on-july-31-2013 or www.facebook.com/events/430055020443605

What is #Fast4Malaysia?

#Fast4Malaysia came to life on Malaysia Day in 2009 when a group of like-minded individuals rallied around and mooted the idea urging Malaysian – from all walks of life, races and religions – experienced fasting for a day to promote unity and peace. The intention was to curb the sense of religion and politics to excel a sense of togetherness between people.

The inaugural event billed ‘Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia' coincided saw an involvement of 900 people from Malaysia and Malaysians abroad.

The idea grew organically and two years later, Marina Mahathir and Niki Cheong felt compelled to revisit the noble idea.

“We would like to establish a greater sense of peace and community not only in Malaysia but also the rest of the world,” said Marina.

Fundamentally, she added #Fast4Malaysia is non-partisan and the effort should be viewed as a concerted endeavor “to learn to love each other than fight with one another”.

“There seems to be the lack of empathy in the country. Malaysia is divided and there’s hardly any initiative to bring people together. People are in a state of distress and very few people are doing anything to promote unity,” she added.

Co-organiser Niki Cheong echoes her sentiment as saying #Fast4Malaysia is geared towards cultivating human values without religious or racial sentiments.
 
“I have been asked why fast if you aren’t a Muslim, but why not?

Malaysian celebrities have also pledged total support for #Fast4Malaysia.

TV host and actress Chelsia Ng is equally excited to experience fasting for the first time.

“I’ve been advised to eat dates for sahur to sustain my energy throughout the day,” said Ng.

Youtuber Joseph Germani posted a video documenting how he endured fasting for a day two weeks ago. 

“It was not easy at first as I felt like drinking a few times. I’m glad to be able to experience fasting like any Muslims do,” says Germani whose video has recorded over 800,000 hits on YouTube.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world,” he added. Other celebrities who have pledged support include TV celebrities Daphne Iking and Baki Zainal.