China’s Belt & Road initiative is not only to promote more trade and business activities between Malaysia and China, but also cultural activities, said MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
“This is a good time to promote the Guan Gong culture in Malaysia. This is in line with the B&R initiative that also promotes more cultural exchange between China and the countries under the initiative,” he said in his speech on Wednesday at the launch of the Malaysia International Guan Gong Cultural Festival 2017.
Dr Wee said all these while, emphasis was placed on trade and business activities related to the ambitious initiative.
“In fact, the B&R initiative also promoted cooperation in various aspects including diplomacy, academic, and the cultural sector.
“The objective of the cultural festival is to promote the spirit of Guan Gong, a Chinese deity, well-known for his loyalty, righteousness, faithfulness and courage,” he added.
He said the Guan Gong culture has been in Malaysia for more than 500 years and there were about 3,000 Guan Gong temples in the country. However, not all Malaysian Chinese understood the spirit of the Chinese deity.
“Through various activities, the festival will provide a platform for all to understand more about Guan Gong and promote Chinese culture,” Dr Wee said.
The event at Wisma Fui Chiu on Wednesday saw participants from various parts of China and Malaysia.
Guan Gong is one of the best known Chinese historical figures throughout East Asia.
In Taoism, Guan Gong is worshipped as the god of literature, god of war and Martial God of Wealth.
In Chinese Buddhism, he is revered as Sangharama Bodhisattva – the guardian spirit of Buddha Dharma.
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