Thousands mark Wesak Day event

THOUSANDS of Buddhist devotees on May 21 thronged the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) building at Jalan Burma for the Wesak Day
celebration and floats procession.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng officiated the event with Penang Buddhist Association chairman Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun.
Also present was MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, assemblymembers Ng Wei Aik (Komtar), Lim Siew Kim (Sungai Pinang) and
Wong Hon Wai (Air Itam).
Joining them were Penang Buddhist Association trustee and Wesak Floats Committee chairman Lee Boon Hoe.
The Chief Minister in his speech said the state government always believes and supports the Buddhist spirit of caring for society and glad to be a
partner in this noble cause.
Meanwhile, Dr Loh said the objective of Wesak Day is to unite and garner the strength of all devotees in establishing a society filled with compassion, gratitude and harmony.
“The teachings of Buddha became a great civilising force wherever it went. It appeals to reason and freedom of thought, recognising the dignity and potential of the human mind, which calls for equality, fraternity and understanding, exhorting its followers to avoid evil, to do well and to purify their minds,” he added.
A heavy downpour before the start of the procession failed to deter the estimated 2,000 devotees who gathered at the MBA compound.
The highlight was a procession featuring 40 floats decorated with flowers and lights