HWPL Malaysia’s Peace Forum in Kuching recently
By Yong Soo Heong
In a world often defined by conflict, division, and noise, the pursuit of peace may seem quaint, idealistic, or even naïve.
Yet it remains one of humanity’s most courageous and noble endeavours because peace is not passive as it demands strength, restraint and vision.
It also asks us to listen when it’s easier to shout, to build bridges when walls feel safer and to forgive when vengeance tempts.
Seeking peace is not the absence of struggle — it is the choice to transform struggle into understanding.
And history has honoured peacemakers not because they avoided conflict, but because they dared to confront it with empathy and resolve.
As shown by many notable proponents of peace from nonviolent resistance to reconciliation, peace has proven its power to heal nations and elevate humanity.
In an era fraught with warmongers and unsettled confrontations, those who constantly raise the peace flag and push the need for reconciliation and unity ought to be commended. Like Lee Man Hee, who heads HWPL or Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light, a South Korean non-governmental international peace organisation registered with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It also is associated with the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC) and has Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Lee recently said: “If we fail to establish a peaceful world in our time, we will burden future generations with conflict. Conflict can never be good. Only the achievement of peace is truly good. What we leave behind must be a world of peace, not one of conflict. The work before us today is to commit ourselves to acts of goodness.”
Similarly, another global peace activist, the Los Angeles-based Prem Rawat, is noted for saying: “It is not the world that needs peace, it is people. When people in the world are at peace within, the world will be at peace.”
Prem, who was at MITEC Kuala Lumpur recently for his motivational talk, was asked by the Weekly Echo as to why he is still pushing the peace agenda when many parts of the world are still experiencing conflicts and new ones mushrooming almost daily. Appearing unfazed, he answered: “I enjoy seeing the results of my work when I push for peace.”
Recently, the Malaysian branch of HWPL held a peace awareness forum in Kuching as a follow-up to the HWPL World Peace Summit on Sept 18 in Cheongju, near Seoul, as part of efforts to continue driving the message of peace.
Led by its Branch Manager Ning Bong, she said although people in Malaysia live in relative peace, they are still bombarded by images of fear and violence every single day on their tv or phone screens.
“The future is uncertain, but we know that dreams can become realities if we work toward them. As we face global challenges — climate change, inequality, polarisation — the path of peace becomes not just noble, but necessary. It is the only path that honours our shared humanity while securing a liveable future,” said Ning.
Balachandran Annamalai, Vice Branch Manager of HWPL Malaysia, speaking at the same function, noted:”It doesn’t matter the colour, the religion, or who someone is. When a person needs help, we must be there. We don’t need to fear anyone. When we support each other, regardless of differences, we can walk boldly and help those around us.”
The Kuching event attracted about 150 participants, including representatives from Brahma Kumaris Foundation, Sarawak Eco Warriors, i-CATS University Student Representative Council, Kelab Belia Prihatin Bandar Kuching (KBPBK), Swinburne Green Club, Salvation Army Kuching, and Kuching Autistic Association
The gathering also received moral support from government leaders. Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity, sent a congratulatory message via video to express her appreciation to HWPL for promoting peace and harmony within Malaysia’s diverse society.
John Ilus, State Assemblyman of Bukit Semuja, attended the function as well as Gerald Goh, Councillor at Majlis Perbandaran Padawan, who represented Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang, State Assemblyman of Batu Kitang.
Peace is a legacy worth pursuing, a virtue worth defending, and a promise worth renewing, not because it is easy, but because it is right.