THE Penang government is happy that the state-level Wesak Day Celebration, which has been held annually since 2012, could resume this year after being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the state government strongly supports the celebration, especially for the Buddhist community at large to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism.
This, he said, is also in line with the Penang2030 vision as values such as strong familial bonds and proper living are inculcated.
“Penang is a very dynamic city which is rich in history and culture. Nevertheless, I always believe we can do better and that is why the Penang2030 vision is for all of us to develop the state into one which is ‘Family-Focused Green and Smart that Inspires the Nation’.
“In other words, Penang needs to be sustainable, innovative and finds its very own niche in meeting future challenges.
“This vision aims not only to provide a better quality of life for our people but also to give us a stronger voice on the global stage, while at the same time, serving as a blueprint for the direction our nation is heading.
“In the process of realising this vision, the culture and philosophy of Buddhism with its emphasis on loving-kindness have a very important role,” Chow said in his speech before officiating the 2023 Penang Wesak Day Celebration opening ceremony at the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Jalan Burma.
The theme for this year’s Wesak Day, which falls on May 4, is ‘United Progress Towards National Prosperity and Resilient Citizens’.
Chow later sounded a bell to mark the opening of the 2023 Penang Wesak Day Celebration, together with MBA deputy president Venerable Chan Liang and Penang Wesak Celebration Day 2023 chairman Venerable Kai Ning at the Malaysian Buddhist Association.
Also present at the ceremony were Chong Eng, who heads the state Social Development and non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Penang Wesak Day Celebration deputy chairman Teh Lai Heng, Thai consul-general Raschada Jiwalai, and several state assemblymen, MBA office bearers and representatives from various organisations.
Chong Eng, who is also the 2023 Penang Wesak Day Celebration adviser, said the celebration is a good example of people of different ethnic groups and religions coming together to celebrate the day.
“Wesak Day is the day which marks the birth, enlightenment and the passing of Buddha.
“Buddha’s message of peace, compassion and love for all living beings tells us to open our hearts and embrace all members of our human family, especially those in need, regardless of race and religion.
“The teachings also inspire us to maintain peace in all ways that we can.
“As we reflect on Buddha’s teachings, it also reminds us to work together with Malaysians from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnic groups and religions, for the common good.
“Now more than ever, we need the spirit of non-violence to help inspire peace and end conflict,” Chong Eng said.
Teh thanked the MBA once again for being the main organiser, Penang Harmony Corporation along with all other Buddhist associations, temples, and monasteries, for their support to make the event a success.
He said the celebration is a continual effort by the Penang government to work together with the local non-governmental organisations.
Other events happening during the celebration will include a float-lighting ceremony, free medical screenings, bathing the Buddha statue and more.
Both Ven Chan Liang and Ven Kai Ning later invited Chow and the guests to visit its exhibition hall.
They expressed hopes that the celebration would help visitors to have a better understanding of Buddhism.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian