by Shafiq Shamsudin
As the world today is rapidly advancing on development of technology, many countries all around the world had aggressively trying to secure their dominance by developing numerous extremely lethal weapons. While ‘mutually assured destruction’ had always been an excuse, millions of innocent civilians suffered from indiscriminate eradication ranging from phosphorus bomb, indiscriminate mine as well as weapon of mass destruction.
Being a debater, I had been presented with opportunities to travel abroad and debate on several issues pertaining to conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, Korea as well as in other regions. It is amusing to see how people from different socio-economical and cultural background have a different interpretation on certain matters. Morality as well as individual liberty also often viewed differently. However, I firmly believe that in order to secure the rights and basic needs of the general public, international laws such as International Humanitarian Law as well as Non-Proliferation Treaty is not to be violated. The International Criminal Court is also to be respected, if not ratified.
It is saddening to see that as nations advance, some tend to oppress those who were behind. Offence is suddenly the new method of defense. Violence is the new method of peace. We can see bodies of children scattered all over the floor, ripped apart due to indiscriminate bombing. Family members were no longer within reach. Crops and houses now become nothing more than a deserted land. A hypocrisy from a system that promises peace and security.
It is of my biggest hope that one day people will come to realize that peace requires sacrifices. May we be able to put aside our differences and begin respecting others. United under the true cause of justice.
