HEADLINES ARE DOMINATED by warfare, or threats of warfare, even as we watch from the sidelines. We may be relieved to be far from physical conflict, yet we do not forget the evidence of Penang’s own war scars. But with any talk of war, there is a parallel discussion of peace. Intolerance is something Penang abhors, centred as its people are around ensuring liberty, promoting human rights and eradicating poverty. With the ongoing war on Iran, as well as in Myanmar, Palestine and Ukraine, among others, a discussion on the pursuit of peace is essential.
IN DEFENCE OF DIALOGUE
Real dialogue begins when we engage with those who disagree, offend or even oppose us. As the late Nelson Mandela reminded the world: “If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy.” To reject dialogue is to retreat into moral isolation. To engage, however, is to believe that persuasion and conscience still matter—that moral courage can still shape power, according to Mohd Yusmadi Yusoff, a former Balik Pulau parliamentarian.
