(June 2): The task of building a peaceful and harmonious society cannot be achieved by a single organisation or individual, Christians for Peace and Harmony Movement (CPHM) chairman Rev Wong Kim Kong said.

Wong said Datuk Seri Najib Razak's presence at the official launch of the Christian group in Kuala Lumpur tonight was a clear indication of the prime minister's commitment and desire to build a peaceful and harmonious society.

"We need the visibility of oneness, vitality of constructive partnership, and viability of productive actions.

"We covet your partnership and collaboration to fulfil this vision," he said to applause from the 1,200 strong dinner crowd.

He added that there was increased stress on the multi-racial and religious society due to more frequent negative and sometimes offensive comments.

He said CPHM wanted to redirect focus towards peace and harmony as positive messages to enhance nation building as well as to encourage the moderate voices in every community who are actually the silent majority to rise and speak the message of peace and harmony.

"We believe this is in line with YAB's desire to promote moderation and love for the nation," Wong added.

He said a classic example was the recent incident in Taman Medan, where the pastor of the church had said of the protesters of the church's cross: “I forgive the protesters, they do not know what they are doing”.

Wong said to some, they might view the pastor as weak or foolish or cowardly.

"Yet, this is the teaching of our saviour," he added.

He said in current times he would describe Malaysia as a “boundless vista at its perilous peak”.

"Why? We unconsciously or some deliberately make it that way.

"But what is cruel is conflict, to separate and divide us, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has given us in our beloved nation, to fill our hearts with anger and hatred, instead of love and care for one another, to devastate the fair face of this beautiful land," he said.

Wong said while it was easy to point fingers and blame others for the state of affairs the country was facing, the future of the country was not in the hands of others, but in ours. – The Malaysian Insider