Friday May 10, 2013

GE13: Stay positive, united and move on, Malaysians on Facebook say

By IAN YEE
alltherage@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: Stay together, foster inter-racial harmony and move on that seems to be the overriding message from many Malaysians on social media post-GE13.

Several social media campaigns, started voluntarily by concerned citizens, have been urging Malaysians to remain positive and united.

On Facebook, the Kita Kawan Mah campaign received more than 10,000 “Likes” just two days after posting pictures of its organisers carrying cardboard signs in the streets here promoting unity among the races.

“We wanted to remind people we are all still friends, neighbours, colleagues.

“That hasn't changed.

“We are all still Malaysians, we still have friends of all races,” said a spokesman of the group who only wished to be known as Teoh.

The campaign was started “on the spur of the moment” by Teoh and his colleagues, who are now working together to manage the Facebook page.

The page has been receiving postings of what Teoh described as “real muhibbah (goodwill) stories from real Malaysians”.

Non-profit organisation Random Alphabets will be holding an event on May 11 called #SayaMahuPicnic, a mass picnic for Malaysians at the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.

Those intending to attend are being encouraged to wear the colours of the Malaysian flag.

The purpose of the event, according to Random Alphabets co-founder Zain HD, is to “bring up positive vibes”.

“It's good to see so many other campaigns being initiated,” said Zain.

“Clearly the people are looking for platforms now that they have some level of coordination.

“They want to do more than just speak their minds. They want to see something happen.”

Another Facebook page, One Bangsa, One Negara, was created on Wednesday night to compile photos depicting national unity.

Lawyer Rachel Ng, 27, who created the page, said: “I just wanted to remind everyone how colourful Malaysians really are.

“We still have so much to celebrate.”

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Friday May 10, 2013

GE13: Stay positive, united and move on, Malaysians on Facebook say

By IAN YEE alltherage@thestar.com.my

By IAN YEE
alltherage@thestar.com.my