THE power of religion goes beyond spiritual cultivation as it can also be a guiding force for social stability and for promoting values of kindness and goodwill.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared this during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Penang Wesak Day Celebration at the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Jalan Burma today.
“Celebrations like this are not just a religious event, but they serve as a platform to bring people closer and strengthen the bonds between communities.
“That is why the state government has always supported such meaningful initiatives,” Chow said.
The theme for this year’s Wesak Day Celebration is ‘Foster True Compassion and Wisdom, Forge True Peace and Harmony’.
In line with this, Chow hoped that each of us would care for others with a compassionate heart and face the many challenges of life with wisdom.
“In today’s fast-changing world, with global uncertainties, economic shifts, and daily challenges, understanding and empathy are key to building a stable and harmonious society,” he said.
According to Chow, since 2012, the Penang government has worked together with the Malaysian Buddhist Association (MBA) and various temples in Penang to organise Penang State Wesak Day Celebrations.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Penang State Wesak Celebration, which has become an important annual occasion that symbolises the strong partnership between the Buddhist community in Penang and the state government.
“I am also pleased to see that the three major Buddhist traditions, namely Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana can come together in unity to make this Wesak Day celebration even more meaningful.
“This spirit of cooperation among different traditions reflects the true character of Penang society.
“We are a multicultural and multi-religious state where people respect, tolerate, and support one another in the pursuit of social harmony.
“This is exactly what we aim to achieve through our ‘Penang2030’ vision that is, a diverse, inclusive, and united society,” Chow said.
Meanwhile, MBA president Venerable Seck Jit Heng thanked the state government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for waiving the RM2 million development charges related to the restoration of the association’s existing building, as it is a non-profit organisation.
“This building has stood for 54 years. Over time, it has deteriorated significantly, requiring constant repairs that have become increasingly costly and difficult to sustain.
“As a result, on Dec 3, 2022, the MBA convened a Special General Meeting and passed a resolution to rebuild the MBA’s old building.
“The proposed reconstruction aims to reflect the association’s commitment to advancing Buddhist education, culture, and charitable work in line with the needs of a modern society,” he added.
Meanwhile, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said that religious spaces are not only places of worship but also ‘Community Hubs’ that serve both spiritual and communal functions.
“Through the compassionate values of religion, such spaces can promote social harmony and unity, contributing to the building of a caring, loving, and inclusive society in Penang,” Lim said.
At the ceremony, Chow participated in the Wesak Float lighting, and visited the Lotus exhibition, which holds significance in Buddhism.
Chew Eng Ghee, the vice-chairman of the organising committee, shared that in the coming days, the exhibitions, and workshops from the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions will offer Buddhists a chance to deepen their understanding of the Dharma.
“These events will also provide non-Buddhists an opportunity to appreciate the practices and join in the joy of the celebration,” he added.
The ten-day celebration, ending on May 12, will include the daily Buddha statue bathing ritual, an MBA float procession, and lotus-themed exhibitions.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud