Flag bearers: (from left) Hariz, Lee and Dr Pola will be joining fellow Malaysians at the Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016 to spread the message on unity.
PETALING JAYA: Residents of Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur are joining hands with fellow Malaysians to spread the message of unity at the Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016.
Taman Tun Dr Ismail Residents’ Association (TTDIRA) secretary Margaret Lee said as representatives, they always advocated mixed representation in the committee.
“I have been in the committee since 2008 and all races were always well represented.
“To me, it is something that comes naturally. During my growing years and schooling days, people of all races mixed freely.
“Now, there is a lot of emphasis on strengthening unity through various means, which may make people think about their actions and consequences,” she said.
Lee said she had heard about the walk from a friend and decided to join to have some fun.
“That morning, instead of my regular walk in Bukit Kiara, I will be doing it in Bukit Bintang,” she said.
For Haris Kamal, an active member of Transitions TTDI, the sustainable living development arm of TTDIRA, taking part is the least he can do.
“I am taking part in the walk because I can. I just got back from a workshop with young scholars from Asean countries,” he said.
“I found that outsiders perceive Malaysians to be cool for living with people of various races in the same country. If we promote ourselves as such, we must be that.
“We are like rojak. If we do not mix together, we will never be a good rojak. So, let’s come together, because that’s what it takes to make awesome rojak,” Haris added.
TTDIRA exco member Dr Pola Singh said Malaysians went through turbulent times and yet prevailed because of their desire to remain united in spite of their diversity.
“We cannot take the peace and stability that we have enjoyed for granted. We need to work hard to preserve what we have built over the last 59 years. It is not enough just to believe it, but also to work at it.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to prove my loyalty to my country. It is not the leaders who are supreme. It is the people,” said Dr Pola, who will also be joining the walk.
The Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016 – ahead of the National Day celebrations – will kick off at the Bukit Bintang City Centre on Aug 14.
It celebrates Malaysia’s diversity and promotes unity and understanding among the people.
The 3.4km walk, starting from the junction of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu at the site of the former Pudu Jail, will be flagged off by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz.
#AnakAnakMalaysia Walk is organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Ecoworld.
Other sponsors for the event include Car Sponsor: Proton, Gold Sponsor: Panasonic and Silver Sponsors: Tenaga Nasional and YES. Register now at http://sites.thestar.com.my/aamwalk/.
From now, those who register will receive a Golden Screen Cinemas movie ticket each.
For more information, kindly contact 03-7967 1388 ext 1432/1529/1243 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).
