Pesta PoAM: From Discord to Harmony

Date:13-11-2011(Sunday)
Time:10.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, No. 1, Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur.

For many within and outside Malaysia, our cultural diversity is mistakenly seen as a source of social discord and a threat to political stability.

We take a completely different view – diversity is like different keys in music, without which we will find ourselves monotonous and dull. As a matter of fact, orchestras are embodiment of diversity in sounds and tunes. Hence, harmony arises from diversity whereas discord happens when diversity is suppressed, manipulated or simply misunderstood. Likewise, Malaysia can draw strength from her population rich in ethnicity, faith, culture, language, ideology and lifestyle. Such diversity becomes a threat only when violence and coercion become the rules of the game.

As long as everyone is committed to peaceful co-existence and resolution of conflict, Malaysia can smoothly embrace political, socio-economical and technological transformations, and benefit from both external and internal competition of ideas and initiatives.

In this context, a group of civil society organisations representing various interests and sectors, have come together to form the “Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia” (GBM for short or in English Gabungan Plan of Action for Malaysia (PoAM). The goal of the GBM is to formulate and advocate a Plan of Action to help Malaysia manage the requisite transition and transformation and to embrace diversity for a better Malaysia.

To symbolise this initiative, a fiesta themed ‘Pesta PoAM – From Discord to Harmony’ will be held showcasing activities by civil society organisations including launch of GBM Charter, a talk show by prominent social activists, film shows, performances, booths and exhibitions.

We would like to cordially invite you to attend and showcasing your organisation at this auspicious event.  We would also appreciate if you could extend this invitation to your networks of friends to attend his event.

For further information, please contact: Ms Lim, Programme Assistant, PoAM Secretariat, tel: 03-2272 3594/012 320 6959, email:[email protected].

Presently GBM comprises of 19  partner organisations: Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH); Aliran; Tamil Foundation; Pertubuhan Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM); Majlis Perundingan Malaysia Agama Buddha; Krisitian; Hindu; Sikh dan Tao (MPMAM); Negeri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall (NSCAH); Penang Chinese Town Hall (PGCTH); The Federation of Chinese Associations Johore State (FCAJ); Lim Lian Geok Cultural Development Centre (LLG); United Chinese School Alumni Association of Malaysia (UCSAAM); Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF); Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM); Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat (KOMAS); Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM); Persatuan Masyarakat Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan (Permas); Centre of Policy Initiative (CPI); National Interlok Action Team (NIAT); People’s Green Coalition (PGC); Anak Muda Sarawak (AMS).

Program:

10.00am Arrival of Guests/Exhibition

11.00am-12.00pm
1) Welcome Speech by Co-chairs: Mr. Tan Yew Sing, President, KLSCAH
2) Launch of  Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia Charter
3) Speech by Co-chairs: Encik Zaid Kamaruddin, President, JIM

12.00pm-1.30pm Talk Show “From Discord to Harmony” covering politics, religion, economic inequality, education and regional imbalance of Sabah & Sarawak
Panel of Speakers:
• Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan (tbc)
• Encik Fahmi Reza
• Cik Jannie Lasimbang (tbc)
• Dato’ Hj Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim Al-Haj
• Dato’ Dr. Toh Kin Woon
Moderator:
• Encik Hishamuddin Rais

1.30pm-2.30pm Performances

2.00pm-4.00pm Film Shows

5.00pm Closing