SCOUTS PLAY ROLE AS AGENTS OF PEACE

SUNGAI PETANI, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- Scout members play an important role as agents of peace in fostering harmony, unity and humanitarian values within society.

Chief Scout of Malaysia Maj Gen Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin said peace does not occur by coincidence or inheritance, but must be nurtured through education, values and ethical leadership.

“There are about 300,000 registered Scouts nationwide and, in line with the peace education principles emphasised by the Scout Association of Malaysia (PPM), they serve as agents of peace within the community.

“Peace is not merely the absence of conflict or war, but a continuous journey that begins within the individual and is strengthened through human relationships,” he said at the opening of the Peace Education Seminar at the Sultan Abdul Halim Campus of the Malaysia Institute of Teacher Education (IPGM KSAH) here today.

Mohd Zin said the Scout movement provides an effective non-formal education platform to develop young people who are able to manage differences, practise empathy and uphold justice with wisdom through activities such as the patrol system, community service, discipline, cooperation and mutual respect.

He added that amid growing social fragmentation, hatred, misinformation and global humanitarian crises, peace education should no longer be viewed as optional but as a fundamental requirement for human civilisation.

Mohd Zin said Scouts at all levels are encouraged to translate peace values into their daily actions, not merely discuss them conceptually.

The seminar, organised by PPM in collaboration with The Prem Rawat Foundation and the National Scout Academy, was attended by about 70 participants from across the country.

Also present were The Prem Rawat Foundation North Pacific regional manager Datin Paduka Dr Santha Kumari Natkunam, Kedah Chief Scout Commissioner Ahmad Din and National Scout Academy director Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rashid Mohamad.

-- BERNAMA