(From left) Au, Raschada, Ooi, Cheah and Yeap after the press conference. — Buletin Mutiara
OVER 5,000 devotees are expected at the “Merdeka Blessings MahaSanghika Dana 2024” to be held on Sept 1 at Dewan Besar Phor Tay, SMJK Phor Tay in Jalan Sungai Dua, Penang.
During the event, 67 monks will walk barefoot around the school to receive alms from the public.
The ceremony in celebration of Malaysia’s 67 years of independence will be led by Phra VinayaDhammavithed @ Than Chao Kun Keng Khemako, along with the forest monks and other MahaSangha members.
Themed “Harmonious Merdeka: Embracing Diversity with Kindness for a Brighter Tomorrow”, the event is organised by the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia (Ubom), co-organised by the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang and supported by Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico).
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying will launch the event slated from 7am to 2pm on Sept 1.
Organising chairman Cheah Kheng Huat said the presence of 67 forest monks would reflect the 67 years of Malaysia’s independence.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with the Merdeka spirit, ‘Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka.’
“It epitomises a celebration of inclusivity, unity across diversity and the rich cultural tapestry of our beloved Malaysia, fostering a spirit of harmony that transcends all communities,” Cheah told a press conference at the Penang Harmony Centre in Scotland Road, as reported by Buletin Mutiara.
He said the event was a significant milestone for the Buddhist community, symbolising hope, unity and kindness for Malaysia.
Also present were Thai Consul-General in Penang Datuk Raschada Jiwalai, organising vice-chairman Dr Doreen Yeap, event adviser Datuk Seri Steven Ooi and Harmonico general manager Paul Au Chong Yee.
Raschada will represent the lay community by performing a solemn act of lighting candles and incense as an offering to the “Triple Gem” for the blessing ceremony.
Raschada also expressed his gratitude to Ubom for inviting the consulate to co-organise the event and fostering harmony among different communities.
The non-Muslim public is invited to participate.
For more information, call 011-5968 1192 or email ubom-admin@ubom.org.
