Mr S.P Karuppiah

On 23 February 2003, there was an immense gathering of Malaysians to show their support for peace at the Bukit Jalil Indoor Stadium. Malaysian Youth Council (MBM) with Peace Malaysia Secretariat organized this gathering. The organizing chairman of this gathering was YAB. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mohamad Khir Toyo, the President of MBM.

The objective of this function was to show support to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB. Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in his tireless effort towards ushering in world peace and to highlight Malaysians’ peace initiative during the NAM Conference. This function also proved that Malaysians regardless of their racial, language, religious background are very serious and concerned about world peace at large.

The gathering was officiated by our beloved Prime Minister. In his speech, he mentioned our Malaysian culture, and how we can co-exist in Malaysia without any violence or instability in terms of social and political aspects. The Prime Minister also reminded the crowd about the loss for the mankind if there is a war anywhere in the world. He pointed out that negotiations should be the best way to solve conflicts and emphasized that international organizations should play a greater role in sustaining and preserving global peace.

YSS also took part in the Peace Rally at Bukit Jalil as an NGO. There were 4 buses carrying more than 100 participants from YSS neighbourhoods like Rumah Panjang Rawang, Desa Hormat, Lembah Subang, the Self-help group women of Flat Sri Terengganu and Petaling Utama. YSS officers Mr. Baram, Mr. S. P. Karuppiah, Mr. K.A. Gunah, Mr. Ismail and Mrs. Kathy were responsible in organizing the participants and to get the VIP passes for 40 Indian Based Organizations.

There were 3 large banners in support of the Peace initiative in Tamil and English that were put up by YSS at the stadium. YB. Dato’ Seri S. Samy Vellu, Ministers of Works Malaysia, attended the gathering with some other senior ministers. YB. Dato’ S. Veerasingam, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of National Unity and Community Development, YB. Dato’ Sivalingam, Exco for Selangor, Y.Bhg. Datuk Siva Subramaniam, CUEPACS President, Tuan Hj. Taslim, En. Jamal (Indian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association), Mr. Velayutham (HYO) were among the Indian VIPs who were seated in the VIP grand stand.

YB. Dato’ Hishamudin Bin Tun Hussin, Minister of Youth and Sports, was very impressed with the banners and support from YSS for the peace Initiative gathering. Although it rained heavily, the rally went along fine. It was a good exposure for YSS officers and neighbourhood leaders and they gained a wealth of experience attending a gathering of such magnitude, and of historical value.

(Submitted on 3rd March 2003)