Buddhist and Christian officers mark 218th Police Day with prayers
KUALA LUMPUR: Police personnel of the Buddhist faith gathered at the Buddhist Maha Vihara here to take part in prayers for the well-being of the nation.
The ceremony was part of an annual tradition held in conjunction with Police Day celebrations.
About 150 personnel from various police departments attended the prayer session early yesterday at the temple, 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) Deputy Comm Datuk Dennis Lim Kwang Keng, represented Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, to officiate the event.
DCP Lim 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. This year, we continue the tradition in conjunction with the 218th Police Day anniversary,” he said.
Mark the occasion: DCP Lim (left) leading the celebrations at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
DCP Lim said a similar event was also held simultaneously for police personnel of the Christian faith at the St Mary’s Cathedral in Jalan Raja.
Earlier, in a speech read out by DCP 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 Senior Asst Comm Goh Saw Khim of the Special Branch’s external extremist threats division and deputy chairmen Asst Comm Cha Hoong Fong and ACP Foo Chek Seng.
Among the retired police personnel who attended were former Penang police chief Datuk Chuah Ghee Lye and former federal narcotic crimes investigation department deputy director Datuk Kang Chez Chiang.
The event ended at noon, with lunch served at the temple’s community hall.
