IT was a sea of brown, grey, yellow and saffron colours during the consecration of the 20-storey high pavilion over the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue at the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, Penang.
The vibrant colours were the robes worn by the 3,000 venerable religious leaders and followers of the Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions from Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand and Bhutan who were invited to attend the event yesterday.
More than 10,000 tourists and devotees also thronged the temple to be part of the historic consecration and opening of the RM40mil three-tiered 60.9m roof pavilion which is supported by 16 granite pillars.
The four-hour long ceremony started with the singing of the ‘Three Gems’ and the release of multi-coloured balloons.
After that, the Buddhist leaders, their followers and donors were invited to the stage for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the release of 118 peace doves.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the fourth Chief Abbot, the late Most Venerable Bai Sheng, had initially wanted to build a 120m statue but there was a height limit of 72m imposed by the previous state administration.
“There was also a condition that a sphere-shaped structure be built around the statue but after some discussions, the temple committee decided to replace the earlier agreed upon structure with an octagonal pavilion with bead curtains.
“Even though the contractor was about a year late in completing the pavilion, we’re glad that it’s finally finished,” he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who was also present at the event, announced a RM1mil Federal Government allocation for the 118-year-old temple.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had asked him to convey his heartfelt congratulations to those from the temple and best wishes to Buddhists in the country.
The former Penang Chief Minister said that he had promised to apply for a federal allocation two years ago but this did not transpire when the state administration changed hands.
“I spoke to the Prime Minister personally and he agreed to this RM1mil allocation through the Prime Minister’s Department,” he said.
Dr Koh said Kek Lok Si had grown into the biggest Mahayana Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, and was a symbol of thriving Buddhism, a tourist destination, and a manifestation of religious freedom within the country.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, who was among the guests, described the temple as a landmark in Penang and a must-visit tourist spot.
“Its famous statue of Kuan Yin shows the rich culture of the country, and people irrespective of their religion come from all over the world to visit,” he said.
Kek Lok Si Temple was established by the late Most Venerable Miao Lian in 1891 and has become Penang’s most well-known landmark apart from Komtar.
The temple is not only one of the main Buddhist centres of the Mahayana tradition in South-East Asia but it has also become an international tourist attraction.
Afghanistan Embassy of Afghanistan in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2nd Floor, Wisma Chinese Chamber 258 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Phone: 603 42569400 or 42534707 Fax: 603 42566400 Website: http://www.afghanembassykl.org Email: consular@afghanembassykl.org Office Hours: Monday - Thurday 9:00am - 4:00pm Friday - 9:00am - 1:00pm
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Switzerland Embassy of Switzerland in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia P.O. Box 12008 50764 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Phone: 603 2148 0622 Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/8919/SEM/sem.html Office Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. until 12.30 p.m.
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THE spirit of Christmas permeated the Little Penang Street Market on Sunday with a series of seasonally-themed activities contributing to the festive atmosphere.
While some were busy browsing through the many stalls selling Christmas ornaments and figurines, others were taking in several live musical and drama performances at The Space, the market’s performing arts stage.
The International School of Penang’s (Uplands) drama students showcased two short sketches, including a short preview of their upcoming play, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, to be held at Wawasan Open University on Dec 4 to 6.
Also gracing the stage were the Penang Free School Jazz Band and Lisa Theunissen & the Spunk Unit, resident singer and band of G Hotel’s G Spot. The IWA Choir also serenaded the public with some delightful Christmas carols.
Santa Claus then made an appearance for the day’s highlight, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, greeting visitors with his customary “ho-ho-ho!” and posing for pictures with visitors, although it was still a little early to be giving out presents.
The Little Penang Street Market returns on Dec 27 with more performances and activities to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
THE Penang International Sports Arena will be brightly lit with 10,000 lamps and candles during a grand musical concert on Dec 26.
The 2009 Annual Blessing Ceremony titled ‘Purity, Great Love, Innumerable Meanings, Musical Sign Language Performance Concert’ will feature 1,108 of performers during the two-hour concert.
Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia president Koay Chiew Poh said 500 people would be performing sign language, 500 on choir and another 108 performing drama.
“The lighting up of the lamps and candles signifies the world to be free of disasters and for peace. We’ve chosen Dec 25 as it’s public holiday which makes it convenient for members from outstation to join us. On Dec 26, the concert will be open for members from Penang,” he said.
Their charitable work include community service like emergency relief work for fire or flood victims, free dialysis service and interest-free study loan programmes.