KUALA LUMPUR: Police personnel of the Buddhist faith gathered at the Buddhist Maha Vihara temple on Friday, joining in prayer for the wellbeing of the nation and as part of an annual tradition held in conjunction with the Police Day celebrations.
About 150 personnel from various police departments attended the prayer session in the morning, which was led by Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana Nayake Maha Thera and his disciples.
Bukit Aman CID deputy director (forensics and strategic planning) DCP Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng who represented Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and officiated the event said such gatherings were carried out annually by personnel of all faiths at their respective places of worship to foster team spirit among members of the police force and goodwill for the country.
"It is a very meaningful gathering and this year we continue the tradition in conjunction with the 218th Police Day anniversary," he told the Star.
Lim said a similar event was also held simultaneously for Christian police personnel at St Mary's Cathedral on Jalan Raja here.
Earlier, in a speech read out by Lim, Razarudin said such gatherings were important in seeking divine blessings for peace, harmony and unity among all Malaysians.
"Our religious beliefs may differ, but no religion preaches disunity and inequality. I wish to express my appreciation to all who are present, especially to former police personnel, for their sacrifices for the country and unwavering support for the police force. Let us become better individuals leading meaningful lives, rich in wisdom and love for all," he said.
Also present at the event was chairman of the event's organising committee SAC Goh Saw Khim of the federal Special Branch's external extremist threats division, and deputy chairmen ACP Cha Hoong Fong and ACP Foo Chek Seng.
Among the retired police personnel who attended the event were former Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye and former federal narcotic crimes investigations department deputy director Datuk Kang Chez Chiang.
The event ended at noon, and attendees were served lunch at the temple's community hall.
