THE guidance of religious bodies is even more crucial during this period of transition from Covid-19 pandemic to endemicity, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said this when he officiated the opening ceremony of the 21st National Convention of the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) at its headquarters in Burmah Road, Penang, today.
Chow was then expressing his gratitude to MBA for continuing its effort to benefit the people and the community under the successive and current leadership since its formation in 1957, the year of Malaysia’s independence.
The convention also coincided with the launch of the Buddhist Archives Research Centre today at the MBA headquarters.
“We must not ignore mental health while we work to rebuild the economy.
“The pandemic has hit the people economically and mentally. The guidance of religious faith is even more crucial during this period.
“The Malaysian Buddhist Association leads Buddhists to provide spiritual and material assistance to those in need.
“The Penang government is grateful to have NGOs, including religious organisations, working alongside it during this period, and hopes that all can carry out ‘LovePENANG’ activities to rebuild the entire community,” Chow said in his speech today.
Chow, who later sounded the gong to launch the convention, also presented a mock cheque of RM200,000 from the state government to MBA to assist them in the organisation.
He said it was meaningful that Penang could play host again after last holding the convention 20 years ago in 2001.
This came about after the Negri Sembilan branch could not hold the triennial convention due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in these three years.
It was passed back to MBA, which undertook the organisation of this year’s convention with the assistance of the MBA Penang Division.
Chow also commended MBA for also launching its Buddhist Archives Research Centre at its headquarters, after more than 60 years of its establishment.
“The Buddhist Archives Research Center is to preserve Buddhist historical materials such as plaques, monuments, photographs, letters, etc.
“This will enable future generations can understand the contributions of Buddhist sages and provide materials for scholars and historians from local as well as overseas to study,” Chow added.
The convention, from July 8 to 10, is being attended by 400 participants and representatives from Melaka, Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Sabah, Selangor, Perlis, Johor, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Sarawak and Penang.
MBA president Venerable Seck Jit Heng, who was also present at the launch, said it was time for the MBA to establish the archives research centre.
“There are many archaic and invaluable historical materials in the monasteries and temples such as boards, stone tablets, photographs, certificates of ordinations, diaries, newspapers, letters, etc., that we need to preserve.
“Due to the importance of these historical materials, it is imperative to manage these Buddhist archives in a more formal and sound manner.
“We invited Malaysian historians Prof Dr Tan Ai Boay and Dr Toh Teong Chuan, who have an accomplished knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, to provide consultation to the Buddhist archive centre,” Ven Jit Heng said.
Organising chairman Ven Kai Ling stressed the importance of promoting harmony through mutual respect and helping each other.
He thanked the chief minister for his presence and officiating the opening ceremony, as well as other guests for their presence.
MBA secretary Ven Ji Zun urged all his colleagues to be imbued with the harmonious spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance, and to work together for the future of the country, society, Buddhism and social work.
At the ceremony, long-service awards were also presented to Ven Seow Kai, Ven Chin Neng, Ven Choong Lin, Ven Li Ken and Ven Kai Sau.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Senator Lim Hui Ying, MBA life president Datuk Seri Steven Ooi, and Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) Penang Branch chairman A. Tharman.
Others present were MBA vice-presidents Ven Chan Liang, Ven Zhi Da, Ven Hai Jing, Datuk Seri Dr Tay Chin Kin, Supervisory Committees chairman Ven Wen-Jian, Supervisory Committee cum Malaysian Buddhist Institute principal Ven Ji Cheng, Utar Institute of Chinese Studies Dr Tan Ai Boay, and ICS Department of Chinese Studies head for Kampar Campus Dr Toh Teong Chuan.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi