On August 24, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the “Remember History and Cherish Peace” – Dead to Rights Special Screening in Malaysia was successfully held at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The event was hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, with Mega Films Distribution as the co-organizing partner.

The screening was attended by H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, and his spouse Madam Song Xiaomei; Dato’ Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, President of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association; Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia, and his spouse Puan Sri Joanne Ho; Madam Han Ning, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur; Madam Chang Shan, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia; as well as nearly 300 representatives from various sectors of society, including friends from all walks of life, Chinese enterprises in Malaysia, media representatives, and China students studying in Malaysia.

Ambassador Ouyang Yujing remarked that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The war engulfed over 80 countries and regions and nearly 2 billion people worldwide, inflicting profound disasters. It was not only a painful memory for China but also a shared trauma for Malaysia and for all humankind. The Chinese people fought with blood and sacrifice for 14 years, paying a heavy price and making indelible contributions to the final victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. He emphasized the need to learn from history, to unswervingly pursue the path of peaceful development, to safeguard the hard-won victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, and to promote the international order toward greater fairness and justice. He called for joint efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind and to create a better future for all humanity.

Dato’ Abdul Majid stated that the Chinese People’s War of Resistance was not only a struggle against aggression but also a crucial component of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people endured unimaginable suffering and created conditions for victories on other battlefields of World War II, yet their sacrifices and contributions have not been fully recognized. He stressed that peace is precious and never to be taken for granted. Malaysia and China are both peace-loving nations, and it is their shared aspiration to work together to build a future of peace, development, and prosperity.

Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan pointed out that although 80 years have passed since the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, it is regrettable that many victimized countries, including Malaysia and China, as well as victims and their families, have yet to receive due compensation or a sincere apology. He called on the international community to urge Japan to cease visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, to clarify the historical truth to the Japanese people, especially the younger generation, and to extend genuine remorse and compensation to the victims and their families across affected countries.

The film Dead to Rights tells the story of ordinary people during the War of Resistance, revealing the atrocities committed during the Japanese fascist invasion. Audience members remarked that the film was “deeply moving” and “highly impactful,” as it exposed the brutality of the invaders and compelled viewers to confront history. It serves as a constant reminder of the cruelty of war and the preciousness of peace. We must cherish the hard-won peace and ensure that such historical tragedies never recur.