KUCHING: The Buddhist community in the state is advised to commemorate this year’s Wesak Day in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) laid out by the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
“Play our part as a responsible person. Remind each other to always wash hands with soap or hand sanitiser, practice physical distancing, avoid gatherings or crowded areas, avoid handshakes and stay home if there are no urgent matters.
“These are the very least we could do for our state and also for us to flatten the curve as the Covid-19 pandemic is still affecting the people,” said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng Monday (May 17).
In his statement, he took the opportunity to wish a Happy Wesak Day to all Kuchingnites who will be celebrating the festival.
“Sarawak exhibits notable diversity in ethnicity, culture, and language. In Malaysia, Sarawak is known to be one of the states that practices multiculturalism peacefully and with highest respect towards any celebration.
“We are born and raised to respect other religions and celebrations with open hearts. By doing and practicing multiculturalism and diversity, we will be an example to other states,” he added.
Wee, together with Malaysian Buddhist Association Sarawak Branch chairman Datuk Seri Tay Chin Kin and vice chairman Lim Teck Hee, in lighting up the decorations at the white cat statue at Jalan Padungan in conjunction with Wesak Day which falls on May 26.
“Gautama Buddha, 2500 years ago, led an exemplary life and taught his disciples by words and deeds. His teachings have endured for two and a half millennia. Buddhism teaches on kindness, tolerance, compassion, selflessness and moral integrity.
“We must uphold these important values because if we stay harmonious, we will build a stronger and better Kuching for all of us,” said Wee.
