A GROUP is calling on Malaysians of all races and religions to join a fast tomorrow in solidarity with Muslims observing Ramadan and to promote unity in the country. 

Muslims worldwide refrain from consuming food or drink from dawn until dusk during Ramadan, which is  also a time for a person to be patient and be mindful of their actions and words.  

Therefore, the group Malaysians for Malaysia mooted the idea to run a “Puasa for Malaysia” campaign, inviting people of all races and religion to join Muslims in fasting as an act of solidarity to bring people together.   

One of the coordinators for the campaign, Lyana Khairuddin, said it was best for one to experience fasting in order to understand it rather hear an explanation.

“We want our non-Muslim friends to experience fasting as well, and then, maybe, we can sit together and share our experiences together.

“If you are only reading on social media about Islam and our reasons to fast, you would not understand it. 

“It also does not help if you do not have any Muslim friends. 

“Therefore, if one wants to experience fasting, then one should do it, and this is what the event is all about,” said Lyana.

The virologist and lecturer also said that in the midst of racial and religious tensions in the country, it is best to get people together through a single act to show unity. 

“I think we (every race and religion) are fine with one another but social media is a powerful tool that could provoke negative feelings toward anyone. 

“At the end of the day this is our nation, we are all Malaysians and we are fine with each other. 

“There are some groups who do not think that way, but the more we show up, the more powerful our narrative would be as opposed to those who want to divide us,” she said.

Puasa for Malaysia will be held tomorrow, beginning with ‘sahur’, a predawn meal to prepare for the day’s fast, and ending with the breaking of the fast at sundown.

Those interested can join the sahur at the Pelita restaurant in Bangsar at 4am. The gathering for the breaking of the fast will be at Chawan restaurant in Bangsar at 6.45pm. 

The organisers welcome everyone to organise similar events in their communities and share the experience online using the hashtag #puasa4malaysia. 

Rev Dr Sivin Kit, who is co-coordinating the event with Lyana, said  the campaign started out as grassroots movement on Malaysia Day in 2009, when racial sentiments were high.  

Kit said it was an idea mooted Malaysians for Malaysia’s non-Muslim members, and he thought that it was a great way to let everyone learn about each other’s religions. 

 “There might be those who disagree with this act of solidarity, we do not deny that. 

“However, we have done this event since 2009, and until now there has been no protest against it,” said the pastor at Bangsar Lutheran Church. 

Kit said that the event was a counter to any negativity based on racial and religious differences.  

“It is a symbolic event where people get together, especially because right now, race and religion are used as a divisive factor to generate hostility. 

“There are some of us who have fasted for religious purposes and also using this time to experience what our Muslim friends experience, so why not join along?”

The director of the Centre for Religion and Society at the Malaysia Theological Seminary also said no one had to feel like they were compromising their faith by joining this event.  

“I think we can be more confident about it. There should not be irrational fears regarding the event because we are transparent about this. 

“The event is not meant to instigate or provoke anyone. It is very down to earth and does not have any grand agenda,” said Kit over the phone.  

A long-time participant of the event, Mitch Yusmar Yusof, believes Puasa for Malaysia should be done annually and hoped it would become a regular occurrence. 

He said the campaign focuses on preserving harmony within the nation. 

The executive director of Seed (Social and Enabling Environment Development) Malaysia also said one should look beyond all the differences another person might have and come together for the campaign. 

“This event is all about preserving harmony. Are they (those who might have objections for the event) saying that if someone is different, they cannot do something good?”

“We will not let out honest intention if showing solidarity be ruined by those who are unhappy with it. 

“They have to move on from questioning our orientation or identity or religious background as it is a pure event,” said Mitch. 

In 2009, the campaign was named Fast for the Nation, Peace for Malaysia.

Prominent figures such as Marina Mahathir and Ambiga Sreenevasan participated in the event, held to commemorate the formation of Malaysia on September 16.  – June 16, 2017.