Celebration of United Nations International Day of Non-Violence and Commemoration of the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi

On Sunday 4th October, DAP International Secretary and Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera Liew Chin Tong attended the Celebration of United Nations International Day of Non-Violence and Commemoration of the Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhiji Ashram in Waterfall, Penang.

Present together were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, Penang State Exco Abdul Malik Kassim and Penang State Assemblyman of Kebun Bunga Jason Ong.

The event was jointly held by Hindu Mahajana Sangam and Taiping Peace Initiative.

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

On 15 June 2007 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish 2nd October as the International Day of Non-Violence. The resolution by the General Assembly asks all member states of the UN to commemorate the day in “an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.”

In his speech, Liew referred to Gandhi’s message that one must “be the change you want to see in the world.” He says, “It is a simple yet profound message. It is a clarion call to take our destiny into our own hands without resorting to violence.”

“In the face of injustice and tyranny, violence is not the solution. Extremism and terrorism breed only more violence. It is time that we take heed of Gandhi’s message of moderation and pursue the middle path even if it means sacrifice.”

Liew opined that at the centre of Gandhi’s message is justice and respect. “We must respect our citizens as well as citizens of other countries; not only in our region but those afar.”