Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia National Day Speech by President Tan King Leong
Happy National Day! We are celebrating the 62nd National Day this year, and that means the people of all ethnic groups in Malaysia have rooted, growing and flourishing harmoniously on this land for more than 60 years as well. With a combination of different races and religions, such a unique yet diverse existence has always been an advantage for Malaysia. However, some public figures have made irrational remarks out of their personal agendas recently, and they never hesitate to instigate the relationship between various religions and races, inciting ethnic hatred, and burying the fuse that undermines religious and ethnic harmony. These events make us deeply worried. These vexing statements have almost ruined the foundation of unity that have been established in the past. Hence, leaders of our country ought to be rigorous over this matter. The leaders should accept and be tolerant towards all differences with a broader mindset and treat all religions and ethnic groups equally. YBAM hopes that the new Malaysian leadership would be more visionary to see and recognise the advantages of diversified development, advocate the sustainable harmonious relationship among all ethnic groups, and face the challenges of globalisation, rather than letting the disputes and conflicts dissolve the foundation of the unity in diversity within the multi-racial and multi-religious society. Born and raised in Malaysia, all Malaysian Buddhists behold the loving spirits of home and nation towards our motherland. Our patriotism, our utmost reverence for the country, and our love for this land are firm and powerful which is beyond question. YBAM have high hope for the country's leadership to work hard and continuously maintain racial harmony, while strengthen the harmonious relationship among the people of all ethnic groups. This is a vital cornerstone to ensure country's prosperity. The country will move ahead more steadily when there’s social unity and stability. It is necessary for the leaders to form additional warmth and positivity to infuse people of all ethnic groups. In view of this, we call on the country’s leaders to formulate policies that are more inclined towards equality and neutrality, and to advocate the maintenance of harmonious development between various ethnic groups and religions as the foremost direction to work on. According to historical records, Buddhism had arrived in Northern Malaya (the then Golden Land, Swarnabumi) as early as two thousand years ago, with the missionary sent by King Ashoka. In the first century AD, the prosperous Old Kedah Kingdom has discovered the traces of the flourishing development of Buddhism. Buddhism has played a significant role as an important port of early world trade. In addition, in the seventh century AD, the
establishment of the Srivijaya dynasty, the largest Buddhist country in Southeast Asia, has led to the prosperity of the entire Southeast Asian region. The historical records of each chapter proved that Buddhism has not hindered the development of peaceful relations, instead it is conducive to the economic and trade development of the entire region. The Buddha warned us that hatred can't stop hatred, compassion is the only antidote to hatred. As long as the leaders have such prudence and allow religions to flourish in this beautiful land, it will be the country's most valuable asset. It’s completely harmless for Buddhism to develop peacefully in this land, From the history, Buddhists have made tremendous contributions to society: (1) Buddhists embrace peace, and they are the catalyst for promoting harmony and eliminating the barriers between religions; (2) Under the guidance of compassion and wisdom, Buddhists provide social welfare, eliminating suffering, spare no effort in providing various kinds of charitable undertakings such as medical assistance and establish schools; (3) Buddhists advocate environmental conservation and resiliently safeguard the beautiful land of Malaysia to ensure its sustainable growth. All the people and leaders who grow up here should bear in mind that the most precious gift to our motherland would be the peaceful development and the harmonious society. Finally, we hope that the leaders will have insightful vision with wisdom and would keep their promise to ensure that all ethnic groups live and work in peace and contentment. This will be the greatest blessing for all Malaysians.