On December 13 and 14, 2008, SGM Johor organised a “Malam Mesra” (goodwill cultural evening) at the Masai Chinese primary school, attracting some 3000 people. The theme of the evening was “Unite the hearts with love, influence society with our hearts”. The organisers hope that through such cultural activities, goodwill, friendship and understanding would develop among the people.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Teng Boon Soon, was invited to officiate the cultural evening on December 14. Among those present included SGM Johor Chairman Tan Kiang Howe; President of Federation of Chinese Associations-Johor Bahru, Lai Yi Sheng and Johor Arts and Culture Department director Abdul Hamid Muhamad.

Deputy Minister Teng pointed out that the human heart is the source for changes in society and if there was the lack of respect and love, it would be impossible to foster understanding. He further said, “SGM organises this goodwill cultural evening for the benefit of the community. Although it is a brief programme, people of different races get a chance to interact and understand one another better.” The Deputy Minister also showed his support for the event by contributing RM8, 000 towards the fund for the evening.

The organisers raised a total of RM90, 000 during the opening ceremony and donated the amount to 26 educational and welfare organisations.

The cultural performance for the evening was based on the format of song, dance and drama encompassing three main scenes entitled “Ideal Garden”, “Realistic Society” and “World of Love”. A total of 600 SGM Johor members spent six months in preparation for the show. The organisers also invited dancers from an Indian dance troupe, the Johor State Cultural Troupe and the ATS Dance Academy students to perform at the cultural evening.

Two weeks later on December 27 and 28, 2008, another “Malam Mesra” was organised in Batu Pahat, with the theme “Fostering harmony through friendship.”

More than 700 performers and workers were involved in this event which collected RM116, 000 in donations, which were distributed to 47 schools, charity and welfare organisations at the opening of the cultural show.

SGI President Ikeda in his congratulatory message used a Malay saying “When the roots are deep, there is no fear of strong winds and storm” to point out that “Friendship is the most important principle”. He hoped that through such goodwill cultural evening, people would deepen their friendship to open a new page of peace in history.

The State Assemblyman for Parit Yaani, JP Ng See Tiong, praised SGM in his speech during the opening ceremony, saying that the organisation spared no efforts in promoting cultural activities, which attracted thousands of members of public. Thus it had achieved its target of “goodwill and harmony”. Ng also praised the SGM Johor “kompang” group which welcomed the guests. He said it was an example of how the fine traits of other cultures can be accepted. The two days’ performers attracted more than 5000 spectators.

SGM Johor has been organising “Malam Mesra” events at various towns in Johor over the last two years. This was the 10th and final in the series.