An initiative to bring Malaysians closer
The Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) movement is out on a mission to bridge the racial and religious divide at a time of uncertainty and ethnic posturing.
The Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM) movement is out on a mission to bridge the racial and religious divide at a time of uncertainty and ethnic posturing.
Armed with its ‘One People, One Nation' slogan, the group kickstarted the second leg of their nationwide roadshow-cum-forums in Kuala Lumpur today.
K
ey member of SABM is prominent lawyer Haris Ibrahim (right), who explained that the roadshow aims to drive home the movement's nation-building efforts through its forums, which are themed ‘Believe Instead'.
"We want tell the people that we were all born equal, about the real truth behind the founding of the country, and if we care about this country, what do we can do about it," said Haris.
According to him, the response from the people has been encouraging thus far and more roadshows will be held in Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Malacca, Kedah and Penang over the coming months.
Neighbourhood initiatives
Other than the nationwide roadshow, the movement is looking at incorporating "neighbourhood initiatives" into its campaign to spread the message.
"We hope that some of the individuals who came forward today could organise little gatherings (on their own) so that the same message can be delivered on a smaller scale," he added.
Haris expressed optimism that the movement will gain momentum once the people understand the goals of nation-building.
"If we read the speech of our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman on Independence Day, his message is no different than ours (which is to unite the country)."
Besides Haris, today's forum saw a list of speakers including Freedom Film Fest award-winning director Fahmi Reza, lawyer Jahaberdeen Mohd Yunos, pastor Sivin Kit, lawyer Art Harun.
A total of 237 participants took part in the forum, including students from private colleges.
SABM was first tabled in 2007 at the Blog House, which is now the 'Rumah Anak Bangsa Malaysia' in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur.
On Sept 16 last year, its charter was launched by a working group to take the movement to a new level by carrying its key messages via roadshows, forums and partner events to urban cities and rural towns.
