(From right, front row) Chow and Ven Jit Heng joining the delegates at the opening of the 21st National Convention of Malaysian Buddhist Association.
Buddhist leaders from all over the country gathered at the 21st National Convention of the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Penang with the aim to spread positive energy.
The 400 delegates were also keen to show the association’s role in providing spiritual and material help to those in need.
Association president Venerable Jit Heng hoped that the event would consolidate the association’s objectives and contribute harmony and happiness to mankind.
“Buddhist affairs must be carried out confidently with strong faith at all times. All members shoulder this responsibility.
“This is part of our undertaking to safeguard the rights and interests of the Buddhist community.
“The association’s development is in line with the needs of ever-changing times,” he said during the convention’s opening.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, thanked Malaysian Buddhist Association that has been helping the community since its establishment in 1957.
“In the past two years, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the people economically and mentally.
“We must work to rebuild the economy and religious guidance is crucial during this period,” Chow said before handing a RM200,000 contribution to the association.
At the ceremony, the association announced the launch of the Buddhist Archives Research Centre to preserve historical materials like plaques, monuments, photographs and letters for research purpose and to enable future generations to understand the contributions of Buddhist sages.
Also present were association vice-president Ven Kai Ling and honorary life president Datuk Seri Steven Ooi.
