Malaysia: #CubaDengarDulu youth initiative to promote diversity and inclusiveness

 

ARTICLE 19 and Projek Dialog are concerned that the freedoms of religion or belief and expression have become taboo topics in mainstream media and culture. The status quo in Malaysia has been built on identity politics that greatly restrict these fundamental freedoms. On the eve of Merdeka, ARTICLE 19 and Projek Dialog, in collaboration with Malaysian youth, launch a one-year campaign to promote diversity, inclusiveness, and meaningful dialogue on important topics that are rarely spoken about.

About the campaign

#CubaDengarDulu is an initiative by youth, for youth to promote an empathetic approach to the freedoms of religion or belief and expression. The campaign will focus on telling real life stories and sharing experiences, offering diverse perspectives that are often ignored or dismissed in day-to-day discourse. Artistic content will be created and shared to instigate meaningful discussions. Join #CubaDengarDulu on this journey to share and receive bold, vibrant, and enigmatic stories which reflect the colourful fabric of our community.

This campaign calls on youth to highlight their key priorities and concerns regarding the freedoms of religion or belief and expression. By initiating dialogue on race, religion, identity, and diversity the campaign will tackle topics that have propelled hate and discord on social media and incorporate the views of a wide spectrum of diverse communities.

All the latest updates on the #CubaDengarDulu campaign and campaign activities will be posted on the following platforms:

Website – www.cubadengardulu.com

Twitter – @cubadengardulu

Instagram – cubadengardulu

Facebook – @cubadengardulu

How can you participate?

There will be a series of activities and initiatives that you can participate in. Your voice is key to this campaign. Spreading the message of #CubaDengarDulu to your friends and families will help to instigate dialogue and discussions on these taboo topics.

The first way you can participate is through the #CubaDengarDulu pledge campaign, where the first 400 pledges will receive a free T-shirt designed by Pangrok Sulap.

T-shirt pledge campaign

As the first phase of the campaign, #CubaDengarDulu’s pledge campaign aims to provide a platform for youth to commit to building a more compassionate nation. Each pledge signifies an individual who has opened their hearts and ears to diverse perspectives, and collectively the pledges represent a community ready to act to ensure these voices are both spoken and heard.

GET YOUR FREE T-SHIRT BY PLEDGING:

I  pledge  to  practice  empathy  in  speech and  life (#CubaDengarDulu), inclusive of all people’s backgrounds, ethnicities, and opinions to the best of my ability. I hereby resolve to:

1. a) Reflect on my place in society and how it both relates to and differs from the experience of others;

2. b) Accept and embrace diversity in thoughts, experiences, and cultures; and

3. c) Get acquainted with the values of human rights and endeavour to respect the human rights of everyone around me.

The #CubaDengarDulu campaign aims to counter messages of hate with those of acceptance, tolerance, and inclusion. Collectively, Malaysian youth and civil society can help improve public awareness and policy initiatives to bring into reality a more equal and compassionate society that we can be proud to be a part of.