Nalanda Dhamma School facilitators and youths engaging with visitors at the exhibition concourse of Selangor State Level Wesak Celebration in Shah Alam recently.

On Sunday 31 July, the President of Selangor Buddhist Development Council (SBDC), Bro. Loka Ng, visited Nalanda Centre to present a Certificate of Appreciation to Nalanda Buddhist Society for supporting and participating in the recent Selangor State Level Wesak Celebration.

For the past few years, the Selangor State Government has been organising official state-level Wesak celebrations with the help of SBDC.  This is in recognition of the fact that Buddhists form the second biggest community in the state after Muslims.

Selangor Menteri Besar Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali launching the State Wesak Celebration.

The celebration this year was held in the state capital, Shah Alam.  It was chaired by Selangor State EXCO Member Yang Berhormat Ean Yong Hian Wah, and officiated by Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Selangor, Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin bin Ali.  The programme comprised of talks by notable Buddhist monks, and cultural performances that showcased the rich heritage of Buddhism.

We thank the State Government and the SBDC for spearheading this important official celebration of Wesak in Selangor.  We also urge other state governments in Malaysia to emulate Selangor’s example in organising official celebrations for religious occasions of ethnic minorities to portray the multi-religious and multi-cultural reality which is Malaysia.

Also at the launching ceremony were (from right) Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Malaysia Ven. Jue Cheng; Abbot of Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple Ven. Sri Saranankara; Selangor State Exco Member Y.B. Ean Yong; and President of SBDC Bro. Loka Ng.

Bro. Loka Ng presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Nalanda’s Honorary Secretary Bro. Pee. Also present were (from right) Chairman of Nalanda Johor Bahru Branch Bro. Yap; founder Bro. Tan; and Director of Pustaka Nalanda Bro. Ananda Fong.