On 26 October, SGM held its annual peace lecture at the SGM Penang Culture Centre, featuring a keynote lecture titled “The Path of Coexistence: Self, Humanity and Mother Earth” by renowned Malaysian activist Prof Dato’ Seri Dr Anwar Fazal. Moderating the session was SGM Deputy President Looi Chee Choong. The event drew about 300 in-person and 127 online participants.

In his opening remarks, SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai emphasised that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a living culture built on respect, empathy and shared responsibility. He encouraged participants to embody the principle of transforming oneself to transform the environment, and to advance peace and sustainability through education, culture and dialogue.

Prof Anwar highlighted the world’s deepening crises of violence and division, stressing that true peace goes beyond ending conflict – it means respecting life and acting with compassion. Using environmental protection as an example, he illustrated the need for coexistence between humanity and nature, citing early 20th-century Malaysian legislation on mangrove and river conservation as an early model of ecological awareness and sustainable policy.

Touching on social ethics, Prof Anwar referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s “seven social sins” – wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principle – as moral cautions for modern society. He then proposed four additions: rights without responsibilities, power without accountability, development without sustainability and laws without justice. 

He stressed that justice, compassion and accountability are the cornerstones of lasting peace, reminding participants that each person holds the power to change the world through small but meaningful actions.

Participant Samuel Gopal shared that the lecture inspired him to reflect on the growing disconnect between youth and social realities, reaffirming that peace begins with awareness and compassion.