Latest news with #communityUnity
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Rukun Tetangga turns 50 with fresh focus on youth, unity and volunteerism, says deputy unity minister
CHUKAI, June 21 — The National Unity Ministry is implementing various initiatives to boost youth participation in Rukun Tetangga (RT) activities, said Deputy Minister K. Saraswathy. She said this includes introducing the Progressive Rukun Tetangga Area (KRT) concept, which involves community-based economic projects aimed at increasing household income, particularly among young people. 'This year marks the 50th anniversary of RT. What started as a community safety team has now grown to include initiatives such as the Unity Squad and patrol units, among others. 'Therefore, we are encouraging more young people to join RT so they can play an active role within their communities,' she told reporters after officiating the Terengganu-level Unity Week celebration at Arena Square here today. Also present was state Welfare, Women's Development, Family and National Unity Committee chairman Maliaman Kassim. Saraswathy said there are currently 8,565 KRT nationwide, including more than 500 in Terengganu, serving as the backbone of the government's efforts to foster community unity. She said this reflects the growing spirit of volunteerism and consensus among Malaysians. 'RTs also play an important role in addressing issues or tensions within communities, including incidents that go viral on social media. They consistently work together with authorities such as the Royal Malaysia Police to help defuse such situations,' she said. — Bernama
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrating Latino heritage: Pedro Veras leads mural project in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD ― Pedro Veras, a Dominican artist, will lead a mural painting event, 'Echoes of Heritage,' set to celebrate Latino culture, artistic expression and economic contributions of the Latino community. The event hosted by the 7 Arts Latino Foundation is designed as an inclusive community event and will take place June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Downtown Supermarket, 121 Spring St. The public is invited to watch the mural's installation begin. Students and families from the High School of Science and Technology will work closely with Pedro Veras to create a mural. Jorge Martinez, president and executive director of the 7 Arts Latino Foundation, said the project is more than just a mural; it aims to foster a deeper connection to Latino heritage and create a shared sense of ownership in this public art piece. 'It is a testament to the hard work, cultural richness and dreams of Latino immigrants who have shaped our community,' he said. 'It stands as a symbol of unity, artistic expression and the enduring hope for a better future that resonates with all residents.' Veras brings extensive experience, and his works are exhibited in cities across the Dominican Republic, Spain, and Italy. His vision and talent are anticipated to significantly enhance and create a lasting, inspiring impact on Springfield's cultural landscape, Martinez said. Read the original article on MassLive.
Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
India-Pakistan conflict ‘could spill onto Britain's streets'
The escalating conflict between India and Pakistan could culminate in clashes on British streets, an MP has warned. MPs and leaders of both the Muslim and Hindu faiths have called for calm amid fears that mounting tensions between the two nuclear powers in Asia could trigger disorder in the UK. Ayoub Khan, the independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and a Pakistani-Kashmiri, said he expects widespread instability in the region to lead to protests in Britain. 'Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high,' he said. 'British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community. 'I expect there to be protests and rallies, but I appeal for people to stay calm. 'It is imperative that our communities come together to promote the principles of humanity and not division, and vital that the Government does its utmost to broker an immediate end to hostilities.' In 2022, Leicester and Smethwick saw numerous clashes between predominantly young men – some wearing balaclavas and hurling racial taunts – as religious violence flared following a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Hindus and Muslims blamed one another for the disorder, much of it also fuelled by inflammatory and inaccurate posts on social media. Vinod Popat, a convener for the Hindu Community Organisations Group set up after that unrest and which represents about 50 Hindu groups in Leicester, called for restraint. 'When things like this in the region happen emotions run high and it can spill out into this country, especially among the young on both sides,' he said. 'Here in Leicester and the rest of the UK we need to live in harmony and there has to be cohesion. 'But, whatever happens in south-east Asia between India and Pakistan means there's apprehension that it could have an impact on the streets here.' Shockat Adam, the independent MP for Leicester South, said there were 'genuine fears' that the military clashes between the two nuclear powers could culminate in unrest in the UK. 'Act responsibly' 'The situation in the region is alarming and there is a genuine fear that tensions from the region could spill into the streets here in Leicester,' he said. 'A great deal of work has been done by faith and community groups to address the issues that ignited previous troubles. 'The onus is on everyone to act responsibly and not take to the streets. 'I have reached out to the police, faith groups and community organisations to promote peace and unity in our vibrant communities, so we can work collaboratively to ensure we do not see any repeat of the troubles in 2022.' Anil Bhanot, the managing trustee at the Hindu Council UK, said: 'There are always some concerns when something happens in the subcontinent between Pakistan and India. 'We want calm' 'But I hope the tensions remain in that region and don't spill over here. We want calm in this country, we don't want it to flare up again like it did in Leicester.' A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said it recognised the 'profound impact' international events can have on diaspora communities, adding how recent demonstrations featuring 'heightened emotions' had been observed 'among British Indian and Pakistani communities'. Maswood Ahmed, the deputy secretary general of the MCB, said: 'Here in the UK, we must unite, upholding our shared values of peace and respect. 'The MCB urges community leaders to take proactive steps in working with local authorities to safeguard public safety and uphold community harmony.' A protest held in London last month outside the Pakistan High Commission was being investigated by police after claims that a Pakistani diplomat was seen making a throat-slitting gesture.
