MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate publication
GPF seeks common aspirations for a better Malaysia through open dialogue
Kuala Lumpur, 23 May 2013 – Global Peace Festival (GPF) Malaysia has teamed up with University of Malaya (UM) and Projek Dialog to organise a forum to uphold nation’s unity and peace today.
With the topic, “Moving Forward: Dream of a Better Malaysia” the idea of holding a forum was mooted in the wake of the recent 13th General Election results, which has led to an unprecedented wave of protests as well as racial tensions being whipped up by various parties.
 “After the election, there have been continuous negative sentiments and unfavourable issues created by various political and opinion leaders as well as the media. This has caused concerns, uncertainties and even fear among Malaysians on the future and the direction our nation is heading to,” GPF Malaysia Chairman, Tan Sri Datin Paduka Seri Hjh Zaleha Ismail said today.
As a non-profit and non-partisan organisation affiliated to Global Peace Foundation International with a proven track record for peace-building based on universal principles and shared values, GPF Malaysia felt the urgency to initiate an effort and create a channel that offers higher perspectives and helps strengthen the solidarity based on a common aspiration in developing a united Malaysia for the next generations to come.
“We hope that such forum will serve as a platform for positive voices to speak their minds and share their dreams while focusing on a more constructive deliberation and collective action, rather than pointing fingers to certain parties,” she added.
Apart from interactive dialogue between the audience and panellists, there was also post-forum video interviews open to people to share their thoughts and dreams. All these will be uploaded to YouTube and social media.
The panellists participated in the forum were Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia’s Deputy Director-General, Prof. Datin Dr. Azizan Baharuddin, Fuad Rahmat of Managing Editor of Projek Dialog, Maverick Foo, an entrepreneur and Malaysia’s cultural activist and writer, Eddin Khoo, as well as Astro Awani’s Executive Editor, Kamarul Bahrin Haron. K. Puniamurthy of University of Malaya was the forum moderator.
Today’s forum was also held to kick-start the GPF Dialogue Series where a series of forums will be held from time to time; focusing on various current pertinent issues while seeking long-term solutions and impactful ideas to minimise the outcome if not to resolve them.
The concept of the forum is based on interactive Q&A and open engagement, which aims to bring together critical thoughts and diverse views. It focuses on multi-pronged engagement with the government, private sectors, community leaders and civil societies.
The main objectives of the GPF Dialogue Series are:
- To outline priorities important to the future and wellbeing of the nation
- To inculcate matured dialogue and respectful engagement among Malaysians
- To identify our common aspirations and needs as Malaysians
About GPF
GPF Malaysia is an affiliate of US-based Global Peace Festival Foundation, an international peace movement that believes the power of one human family can ease conflict in the world.  In addition to the Global Peace Leadership Exchange, other initiatives include educational programs, community service activities, youth workshops, engaging volunteers and building multi-sectorial partnerships.
For more information on Global Peace Foundation, visit www.GlobalPeace.org.my
This media release is issued by Global Peace Festival Malaysia (GPF).
For further enquiries, please contact:
Dr. Teh Su-Thye / Nurazah Ismail
T: +603 7805 4750
F: +603 7886 2103
