August 1st, 2025, 10:20am MDT
The hall was filled with colour, culture and joy as more than 200 people of various races and religions gathered for Malam Muhiba.
This year’s event, held in Jalam Chong, Malaysia, marked the revival of a tradition that has been suspended since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For many, it wasn’t just a performance night – it was an expression of what unity was.
The Petal Jaya branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was invited to participate in the event on June 21, contributing musical talent to an evening rooted in love, peace and shared humanity, the Church’s Malaysian newsroom reported.
“Mbiba,” derived from the Arabic word “Habiba,” is translated into good intentions and speaks to the spirit of good intentions, friendship and mutual understanding.
Music as a ministry
Daiki Tanji, a young adult from Japan and a member of the Church’s Petal Jaya branch, sang the Japanese song “Sukiyaki.”
The lyrics about choosing hope in grief resonated beyond cultural disparities. The song starts with “I look up when I walk,” and tells attendees to keep their heads up regardless of the situation.
In the evening, the saint David Paradiso and his son Santiago performed songs about freedom and resilience along with Patricia Camargo.
“Unity is not a luxury, it’s necessary.”
The event was hosted by the Pure Life Society – a local organization that works to “foster a spirit of unity in the face of diversity through service to the community, regardless of race or religion”
That president, Dato Amiga Sreenevasan, captured the essence of the evening. “Unity is not just a luxury, it is necessary, we are here to build the bridge.
Honor guest Jan Belhomat Datuk Aaron highlighted the importance of understanding, respect and acceptance in a pluralistic society by Malaysia’s Minister of State Unification.
“Civil society is the hands and feet of unity,” he said.
He added that people “have to encounter differences” in order to build a peaceful future. The diverse programs that followed were evidence that such harmony was not only possible, but that it was already happening.
A cross-traditional fellowship and faith
President Joseph Skips, the first counselor to President Kuala Lumpur Malaysia District, and his wife, Anita Skips, represented the church at the event.
They mixed with interfaith leaders, including Julian Leo, the Catholic Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur. While talking, they learned that the archbishop lived in Sydney, Australia while serving in the Parish of Randwick Sydney Australia.
President Skips retorted, “It’s a great way to build a bridge with many others who lead charitable and noble lives to bless all God’s children.”
I will conclude with gratitude and grace
As the evening approached the end, Dato VL Kandan, vice president of the Pure Living Association, praised the work of the Organising Committee. Guests enjoyed a variety of culinary meals, shared stories about foods that reflect the diversity of Malaysia, and were invited to laugh.
Night host Geetha Madhaven said, “Unity is more than just a slogan. It’s the foundation we stand on.”
